Soybean varieties &#39;2984004&#39;, &#39;2987416&#39;, &#39;2987413&#39;, and &#39;2987331&#39;

ABSTRACT

New soybean varieties designated ‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’, and ‘2987331’ are described. ‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’, and ‘2987331’ are soybean varieties exhibiting stability and uniformity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/951,960, filed on Dec. 20, 2019, the content of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of plant breeding. Inparticular, this invention relates to new soybean, Glycine max,varieties designated ‘2984050’, ‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’, and‘2987331’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Soybean (Glycine max) is a major grain crop valued for the high levelsof oil and protein found in soybean seed. Soybean breeding has resultedin significant improvements in yield potential, stability of yield,adaptation of the species to mechanical harvest, and yield protectionthrough improved disease resistance. Soybean is useful not only as aseed for producing soybean plants, but also has utility as a grain. Thegrain can be used as a food source for both animals and humans. Soybeanis widely used as a source of protein for animal feeds for poultry,swine and cattle. The soybean grain is therefore a commodity. Thesoybean commodity plant products include but are not limited to proteinconcentrate, protein isolate, soybean hulls, meal, flower, oil and thewhole soybean itself. Due to the nature of plant science agriculture,broadly defined as a manipulation of available plant resources to meetthe needs of the growing human population, the environment in whichplants are grown for agricultural production continuously offers newobstacles to agricultural production. Each new cultivar released toagricultural production is selected for the purpose of increasing yieldresulting from increased disease resistance to prevalent diseases, orfrom direct or indirect improvement in yield potential or efficiency ofproduction. Development of stable, high yielding cultivars with superiorcharacteristics is an ongoing goal of soybean breeders.

Accordingly, there is a continuing need to develop new soybean varietiesthat are stable, high yielding cultivars, and express superior agronomiccharacteristics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to meet these needs, the present invention is directed toimproved soybean varieties.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to soybean seeddesignated as ‘2984050’ having ATCC Accession Number X1. In oneembodiment, the present invention is directed to a soybean plant andparts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘2984050’ soybean seed. Inanother embodiment, the present invention is directed to a soybean plantand parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological andmorphological characteristics of a soybean plant produced by growing‘2984050’ soybean seed having ATCC Accession Number X1. In still anotherembodiment, the present invention is directed to an F₁ hybrid soybeanseed, plants grown from the seed, a pollen grain, an ovule, aprotoplast, a cell, an embryo, a cotyledon, a hypocotyl, a meristem, aroot, a pistil, an anther, a flower, a stem, a pod, a leaf, a petiole,or a portion thereof, isolated therefrom having ‘2984050’ as a parent,wherein ‘2984050’ is grown from ‘2984050’ soybean seed having ATCCAccession Number X1.

Soybean plant parts include seed, a pollen grain, an ovule, aprotoplast, a cell, an embryo, a cotyledon, a hypocotyl, a meristem, aroot, a pistil, an anther, a flower, a stem, a pod, a leaf, a petiole,and the like. In another embodiment, the present invention is furtherdirected to a soybean pollen grain, ovule, protoplast, cell, embryo,cotyledon, hypocotyl, meristem, root, pistil, anther, flower, stem, pod,leaf, and/or petiole isolated from ‘2984050’ soybean plants. In anotherembodiment, the present invention is further directed to tissue cultureor cells derived from ‘2984050’ soybean plants.

In still another embodiment, the present invention is further directedto packaging material containing ‘2984050’ plant parts. Such packagingmaterial includes but is not limited to boxes, plastic bags, etc. The‘2984050’ plant parts may be combined with other plant parts of otherplant varieties.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention is further directed toa method of selecting soybean plants including (a) growing ‘2984050’soybean plants wherein the ‘2984050’ plants are grown from soybean seedhaving ATCC Accession Number X1 and (b) selecting a plant from step (a).In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed tosoybean plants, plant parts and seeds produced by the soybean plantswherein the soybean plants are isolated by the selection method of theinvention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to amethod of breeding soybean plants including crossing a soybean plantwith a plant grown from ‘2984050’ soybean seed having ATCC AccessionNumber X1. In still another embodiment, the present invention is furtherdirected to soybean plants, soybean parts from the soybean plants, andseeds produced therefrom where the soybean plant is isolated by thebreeding method of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods forproducing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or moretransgenes and to the transgenic soybean plant produced by thosemethods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods forproducing a male sterile soybean plant by introducing a nucleic acidmolecule that confers male sterility into a soybean plant produced bygrowing ‘2984050’ soybean seed, and to male sterile soybean plantsproduced by such methods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods ofproducing an herbicide resistant soybean plant by introducing a geneconferring herbicide resistance into a soybean plant produced by growing‘2984050’ soybean seed, where the gene is selected from glyphosate,sulfonylurea, imidazolinone, dicamba, glufosinate, phenoxy proprionicacid, L-phosphinothricin, cyclohexone, cyclohexanedione, triazine, andbenzonitrile. Certain embodiments are also directed to herbicideresistant soybean plants produced by such methods.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a tissue cultureof protoplasts and regenerable cells from a plant or parts thereof,produced by growing seed designated ‘2984050’, and a soybean plantregenerated from tissue culture.

In yet another aspect, a method of producing a commodity plant productis provided, which includes obtaining a plant grown from ‘2984050’soybean seed having ATCC Accession Number X1, or a part thereof, andproducing the commodity plant product therefrom. In some embodiments,the commodity plant product is protein concentrate, protein isolate,soybean hulls, soybean meal, soybean flour, or soybean oil.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods ofproducing a pest or insect resistant soybean plan by introducing a geneconferring pest or insect resistance into a soybean plant produced bygrowing ‘2984050’ soybean seed, and to pest or insect resistant soybeanplants produced by such methods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods ofproducing a disease resistant soybean plant by introducing a geneconferring disease resistance into a soybean plant produced by growing‘2984050’ soybean seed, and to disease resistant soybean plants producedby such methods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods ofproducing a soybean plant with a value-added trait by introducing a geneconferring a value-added trait into a soybean plant produced by growing‘2984050’ soybean seed, where the gene encodes a protein selected from aferritin, a nitrate reductase, and a monellin. Certain embodiments arealso directed to soybean plants having a value-added trait produced bysuch methods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods ofintroducing a desired trait into soybean variety ‘2984050’, by: (a)crossing a ‘2984050’ plant, where a sample of ‘2984050’ soybean seed wasdeposited under ATCC Accession Number X1, with a plant of anothersoybean variety that contains a desired trait to produce progeny plants,where the desired trait is selected from male sterility; herbicideresistance; insect or pest resistance; modified bolting; and resistanceto bacterial disease, fungal disease or viral disease; (b) selecting oneor more progeny plants that have the desired trait; (c) backcrossing theselected progeny plants with a ‘2984050’ plant to produce backcrossprogeny plants; (d) selecting for backcross progeny plants that have thedesired trait and all of the physiological and morphologicalcharacteristics of soybean variety ‘2984050’; and (e) repeating steps(c) and (d) two or more times in succession to produce selected third orhigher backcross progeny plants that include the desired trait. Certainembodiments are also directed to soybean plants produced by suchmethods, where the plants have the desired trait and all of thephysiological and morphological characteristics of soybean variety‘2984050’. In certain embodiments, the desired trait is herbicideresistance and the resistance is conferred to an herbicide selected fromglyphosate, sulfonylurea, imidazolinone, dicamba, glufosinate, phenoxyproprionic acid, L-phosphinothricin, cyclohexone, cyclohexanedione,triazine, and benzonitrile. In other embodiments, the desired trait isinsect or pest resistance and the insect or pest resistance is conferredby a transgene encoding a Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxin.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides for single geneconverted plants of ‘2984050’. The single transferred gene maypreferably be a dominant or recessive allele. Preferably, the singletransferred gene will confer such traits as male sterility, herbicideresistance, insect or pest resistance, modified fatty acid metabolism,modified carbohydrate metabolism, resistance for bacterial, fungal, orviral disease, male fertility, enhanced nutritional quality, andindustrial usage. The single gene may be a naturally occurring soybeangene or a transgene introduced through genetic engineering techniques.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to soybean seeddesignated as ‘2984004’ having ATCC Accession Number X2. In oneembodiment, the present invention is directed to a soybean plant andparts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘2984004’ soybean seed. Inanother embodiment, the present invention is directed to a soybean plantand parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological andmorphological characteristics of a soybean plant produced by growing‘2984004’ soybean seed having ATCC Accession Number X2. In still anotherembodiment, the present invention is directed to an F₁ hybrid soybeanseed, plants grown from the seed, a pollen grain, an ovule, aprotoplast, a cell, an embryo, a cotyledon, a hypocotyl, a meristem, aroot, a pistil, an anther, a flower, a stem, a pod, a leaf, a petiole,or a portion thereof, isolated therefrom having ‘2984004’ as a parent,wherein ‘2984004’ is grown from ‘2984004’ soybean seed having ATCCAccession Number X2.

Soybean plant parts include seed, a pollen grain, an ovule, aprotoplast, a cell, an embryo, a cotyledon, a hypocotyl, a meristem, aroot, a pistil, an anther, a flower, a stem, a pod, a leaf, a petiole,and the like. In another embodiment, the present invention is furtherdirected to a soybean pollen grain, ovule, protoplast, cell, embryo,cotyledon, hypocotyl, meristem, root, pistil, anther, flower, stem, pod,leaf, and/or petiole isolated from ‘2984004’ soybean plants. In anotherembodiment, the present invention is further directed to tissue cultureor cells derived from ‘2984004’ soybean plants.

In still another embodiment, the present invention is further directedto packaging material containing ‘2984004’ plant parts. Such packagingmaterial includes but is not limited to boxes, plastic bags, etc. The‘2984004’ plant parts may be combined with other plant parts of otherplant varieties.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention is further directed toa method of selecting soybean plants including (a) growing ‘2984004’soybean plants wherein the ‘2984004’ plants are grown from soybean seedhaving ATCC Accession Number X2 and (b) selecting a plant from step (a).In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed tosoybean plants, plant parts and seeds produced by the soybean plantswherein the soybean plants are isolated by the selection method of theinvention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to amethod of breeding soybean plants including crossing a soybean plantwith a plant grown from ‘2984004’ soybean seed having ATCC AccessionNumber X2. In still another embodiment, the present invention is furtherdirected to soybean plants, soybean parts from the soybean plants, andseeds produced therefrom where the soybean plant is isolated by thebreeding method of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods forproducing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or moretransgenes and to the transgenic soybean plant produced by thosemethods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods forproducing a male sterile soybean plant by introducing a nucleic acidmolecule that confers male sterility into a soybean plant produced bygrowing ‘2984004’ soybean seed, and to male sterile soybean plantsproduced by such methods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods ofproducing an herbicide resistant soybean plant by introducing a geneconferring herbicide resistance into a soybean plant produced by growing‘2984004’ soybean seed, where the gene is selected from glyphosate,sulfonylurea, imidazolinone, dicamba, glufosinate, phenoxy proprionicacid, L-phosphinothricin, cyclohexone, cyclohexanedione, triazine, andbenzonitrile. Certain embodiments are also directed to herbicideresistant soybean plants produced by such methods.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a tissue cultureof protoplasts and regenerable cells from a plant or parts thereof,produced by growing seed designated ‘2984004’, and a soybean plantregenerated from tissue culture.

In yet another aspect, a method of producing a commodity plant productis provided, which includes obtaining a plant grown from ‘2984004’soybean seed having ATCC Accession Number X2, or a part thereof, andproducing the commodity plant product therefrom. In some embodiments,the commodity plant product is protein concentrate, protein isolate,soybean hulls, soybean meal, soybean flour, or soybean oil.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods ofproducing a pest or insect resistant soybean plan by introducing a geneconferring pest or insect resistance into a soybean plant produced bygrowing ‘2984004’ soybean seed, and to pest or insect resistant soybeanplants produced by such methods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods ofproducing a disease resistant soybean plant by introducing a geneconferring disease resistance into a soybean plant produced by growing‘2984004’ soybean seed, and to disease resistant soybean plants producedby such methods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods ofproducing a soybean plant with a value-added trait by introducing a geneconferring a value-added trait into a soybean plant produced by growing‘2984004’ soybean seed, where the gene encodes a protein selected from aferritin, a nitrate reductase, and a monellin. Certain embodiments arealso directed to soybean plants having a value-added trait produced bysuch methods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods ofintroducing a desired trait into soybean variety ‘2984004’, by: (a)crossing a ‘2984004’ plant, where a sample of ‘2984004’ soybean seed wasdeposited under ATCC Accession Number X2, with a plant of anothersoybean variety that contains a desired trait to produce progeny plants,where the desired trait is selected from male sterility; herbicideresistance; insect or pest resistance; modified bolting; and resistanceto bacterial disease, fungal disease or viral disease; (b) selecting oneor more progeny plants that have the desired trait; (c) backcrossing theselected progeny plants with a ‘2984004’ plant to produce backcrossprogeny plants; (d) selecting for backcross progeny plants that have thedesired trait and all of the physiological and morphologicalcharacteristics of soybean variety ‘2984004’; and (e) repeating steps(c) and (d) two or more times in succession to produce selected third orhigher backcross progeny plants that include the desired trait. Certainembodiments are also directed to soybean plants produced by suchmethods, where the plants have the desired trait and all of thephysiological and morphological characteristics of soybean variety‘2984004’. In certain embodiments, the desired trait is herbicideresistance and the resistance is conferred to an herbicide selected fromglyphosate, sulfonylurea, imidazolinone, dicamba, glufosinate, phenoxyproprionic acid, L-phosphinothricin, cyclohexone, cyclohexanedione,triazine, and benzonitrile. In other embodiments, the desired trait isinsect or pest resistance and the insect or pest resistance is conferredby a transgene encoding a Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxin.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides for single geneconverted plants of ‘2984004’. The single transferred gene maypreferably be a dominant or recessive allele. Preferably, the singletransferred gene will confer such traits as male sterility, herbicideresistance, insect or pest resistance, modified fatty acid metabolism,modified carbohydrate metabolism, resistance for bacterial, fungal, orviral disease, male fertility, enhanced nutritional quality, andindustrial usage. The single gene may be a naturally occurring soybeangene or a transgene introduced through genetic engineering techniques.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to soybean seeddesignated as ‘2987416’ having ATCC Accession Number X3. In oneembodiment, the present invention is directed to a soybean plant andparts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘2987416’ soybean seed. Inanother embodiment, the present invention is directed to a soybean plantand parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological andmorphological characteristics of a soybean plant produced by growing‘2987416’ soybean seed having ATCC Accession Number X3. In still anotherembodiment, the present invention is directed to an F₁ hybrid soybeanseed, plants grown from the seed, a pollen grain, an ovule, aprotoplast, a cell, an embryo, a cotyledon, a hypocotyl, a meristem, aroot, a pistil, an anther, a flower, a stem, a pod, a leaf, a petiole,or a portion thereof, isolated therefrom having ‘2987416’ as a parent,wherein ‘2987416’ is grown from ‘2987416’ soybean seed having ATCCAccession Number X3.

Soybean plant parts include seed, a pollen grain, an ovule, aprotoplast, a cell, an embryo, a cotyledon, a hypocotyl, a meristem, aroot, a pistil, an anther, a flower, a stem, a pod, a leaf, a petiole,and the like. In another embodiment, the present invention is furtherdirected to a soybean pollen grain, ovule, protoplast, cell, embryo,cotyledon, hypocotyl, meristem, root, pistil, anther, flower, stem, pod,leaf, and/or petiole isolated from ‘2987416’ soybean plants. In anotherembodiment, the present invention is further directed to tissue cultureor cells derived from ‘2987416’ soybean plants.

In still another embodiment, the present invention is further directedto packaging material containing ‘2987416’ plant parts. Such packagingmaterial includes but is not limited to boxes, plastic bags, etc. The‘2987416’ plant parts may be combined with other plant parts of otherplant varieties.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention is further directed toa method of selecting soybean plants including (a) growing ‘2987416’soybean plants wherein the ‘2987416’ plants are grown from soybean seedhaving ATCC Accession Number X3 and (b) selecting a plant from step (a).In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed tosoybean plants, plant parts and seeds produced by the soybean plantswherein the soybean plants are isolated by the selection method of theinvention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to amethod of breeding soybean plants including crossing a soybean plantwith a plant grown from ‘2987416’ soybean seed having ATCC AccessionNumber X3. In still another embodiment, the present invention is furtherdirected to soybean plants, soybean parts from the soybean plants, andseeds produced therefrom where the soybean plant is isolated by thebreeding method of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods forproducing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or moretransgenes and to the transgenic soybean plant produced by thosemethods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods forproducing a male sterile soybean plant by introducing a nucleic acidmolecule that confers male sterility into a soybean plant produced bygrowing ‘2987416’ soybean seed, and to male sterile soybean plantsproduced by such methods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods ofproducing an herbicide resistant soybean plant by introducing a geneconferring herbicide resistance into a soybean plant produced by growing‘2987416’ soybean seed, where the gene is selected from glyphosate,sulfonylurea, imidazolinone, dicamba, glufosinate, phenoxy proprionicacid, L-phosphinothricin, cyclohexone, cyclohexanedione, triazine, andbenzonitrile. Certain embodiments are also directed to herbicideresistant soybean plants produced by such methods.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a tissue cultureof protoplasts and regenerable cells from a plant or parts thereof,produced by growing seed designated ‘2987416’, and a soybean plantregenerated from tissue culture.

In yet another aspect, a method of producing a commodity plant productis provided, which includes obtaining a plant grown from ‘2987416’soybean seed having ATCC Accession Number X3, or a part thereof, andproducing the commodity plant product therefrom. In some embodiments,the commodity plant product is protein concentrate, protein isolate,soybean hulls, soybean meal, soybean flour, or soybean oil.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods ofproducing a pest or insect resistant soybean plan by introducing a geneconferring pest or insect resistance into a soybean plant produced bygrowing ‘2987416’ soybean seed, and to pest or insect resistant soybeanplants produced by such methods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods ofproducing a disease resistant soybean plant by introducing a geneconferring disease resistance into a soybean plant produced by growing‘2987416’ soybean seed, and to disease resistant soybean plants producedby such methods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods ofproducing a soybean plant with a value-added trait by introducing a geneconferring a value-added trait into a soybean plant produced by growing‘2987416’ soybean seed, where the gene encodes a protein selected from aferritin, a nitrate reductase, and a monellin. Certain embodiments arealso directed to soybean plants having a value-added trait produced bysuch methods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods ofintroducing a desired trait into soybean variety ‘2987416’, by: (a)crossing a ‘2987416’ plant, where a sample of ‘2987416’ soybean seed wasdeposited under ATCC Accession Number X3, with a plant of anothersoybean variety that contains a desired trait to produce progeny plants,where the desired trait is selected from male sterility; herbicideresistance; insect or pest resistance; modified bolting; and resistanceto bacterial disease, fungal disease or viral disease; (b) selecting oneor more progeny plants that have the desired trait; (c) backcrossing theselected progeny plants with a ‘2987416’ plant to produce backcrossprogeny plants; (d) selecting for backcross progeny plants that have thedesired trait and all of the physiological and morphologicalcharacteristics of soybean variety ‘2987416’; and (e) repeating steps(c) and (d) two or more times in succession to produce selected third orhigher backcross progeny plants that include the desired trait. Certainembodiments are also directed to soybean plants produced by suchmethods, where the plants have the desired trait and all of thephysiological and morphological characteristics of soybean variety‘2987416’. In certain embodiments, the desired trait is herbicideresistance and the resistance is conferred to an herbicide selected fromglyphosate, sulfonylurea, imidazolinone, dicamba, glufosinate, phenoxyproprionic acid, L-phosphinothricin, cyclohexone, cyclohexanedione,triazine, and benzonitrile. In other embodiments, the desired trait isinsect or pest resistance and the insect or pest resistance is conferredby a transgene encoding a Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxin.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides for single geneconverted plants of ‘2987416’. The single transferred gene maypreferably be a dominant or recessive allele. Preferably, the singletransferred gene will confer such traits as male sterility, herbicideresistance, insect or pest resistance, modified fatty acid metabolism,modified carbohydrate metabolism, resistance for bacterial, fungal, orviral disease, male fertility, enhanced nutritional quality, andindustrial usage. The single gene may be a naturally occurring soybeangene or a transgene introduced through genetic engineering techniques.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to soybean seeddesignated as ‘2987413’ having ATCC Accession Number X4. In oneembodiment, the present invention is directed to a soybean plant andparts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘2987413’ soybean seed. Inanother embodiment, the present invention is directed to a soybean plantand parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological andmorphological characteristics of a soybean plant produced by growing‘2987413’ soybean seed having ATCC Accession Number X4. In still anotherembodiment, the present invention is directed to an F₁ hybrid soybeanseed, plants grown from the seed, a pollen grain, an ovule, aprotoplast, a cell, an embryo, a cotyledon, a hypocotyl, a meristem, aroot, a pistil, an anther, a flower, a stem, a pod, a leaf, a petiole,or a portion thereof, isolated therefrom having ‘2987413’ as a parent,wherein ‘2987413’ is grown from ‘2987413’ soybean seed having ATCCAccession Number X4.

Soybean plant parts include seed, a pollen grain, an ovule, aprotoplast, a cell, an embryo, a cotyledon, a hypocotyl, a meristem, aroot, a pistil, an anther, a flower, a stem, a pod, a leaf, a petiole,and the like. In another embodiment, the present invention is furtherdirected to a soybean pollen grain, ovule, protoplast, cell, embryo,cotyledon, hypocotyl, meristem, root, pistil, anther, flower, stem, pod,leaf, and/or petiole isolated from ‘2987413’ soybean plants. In anotherembodiment, the present invention is further directed to tissue cultureor cells derived from ‘2987413’ soybean plants.

In still another embodiment, the present invention is further directedto packaging material containing ‘2987413’ plant parts. Such packagingmaterial includes but is not limited to boxes, plastic bags, etc. The‘2987413’ plant parts may be combined with other plant parts of otherplant varieties.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention is further directed toa method of selecting soybean plants including (a) growing ‘2987413’soybean plants wherein the ‘2987413’ plants are grown from soybean seedhaving ATCC Accession Number X4 and (b) selecting a plant from step (a).In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed tosoybean plants, plant parts and seeds produced by the soybean plantswherein the soybean plants are isolated by the selection method of theinvention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to amethod of breeding soybean plants including crossing a soybean plantwith a plant grown from ‘2987413’ soybean seed having ATCC AccessionNumber X4. In still another embodiment, the present invention is furtherdirected to soybean plants, soybean parts from the soybean plants, andseeds produced therefrom where the soybean plant is isolated by thebreeding method of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods forproducing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or moretransgenes and to the transgenic soybean plant produced by thosemethods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods forproducing a male sterile soybean plant by introducing a nucleic acidmolecule that confers male sterility into a soybean plant produced bygrowing ‘2987413’ soybean seed, and to male sterile soybean plantsproduced by such methods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods ofproducing an herbicide resistant soybean plant by introducing a geneconferring herbicide resistance into a soybean plant produced by growing‘2987413’ soybean seed, where the gene is selected from glyphosate,sulfonylurea, imidazolinone, dicamba, glufosinate, phenoxy proprionicacid, L-phosphinothricin, cyclohexone, cyclohexanedione, triazine, andbenzonitrile. Certain embodiments are also directed to herbicideresistant soybean plants produced by such methods.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a tissue cultureof protoplasts and regenerable cells from a plant or parts thereof,produced by growing seed designated ‘2987413’, and a soybean plantregenerated from tissue culture.

In yet another aspect, a method of producing a commodity plant productis provided, which includes obtaining a plant grown from ‘2987413’soybean seed having ATCC Accession Number X4, or a part thereof, andproducing the commodity plant product therefrom. In some embodiments,the commodity plant product is protein concentrate, protein isolate,soybean hulls, soybean meal, soybean flour, or soybean oil.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods ofproducing a pest or insect resistant soybean plan by introducing a geneconferring pest or insect resistance into a soybean plant produced bygrowing ‘2987413’ soybean seed, and to pest or insect resistant soybeanplants produced by such methods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods ofproducing a disease resistant soybean plant by introducing a geneconferring disease resistance into a soybean plant produced by growing‘2987413’ soybean seed, and to disease resistant soybean plants producedby such methods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods ofproducing a soybean plant with a value-added trait by introducing a geneconferring a value-added trait into a soybean plant produced by growing‘2987413’ soybean seed, where the gene encodes a protein selected from aferritin, a nitrate reductase, and a monellin. Certain embodiments arealso directed to soybean plants having a value-added trait produced bysuch methods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods ofintroducing a desired trait into soybean variety ‘2987413’, by: (a)crossing a ‘2987413’ plant, where a sample of ‘2987413’ soybean seed wasdeposited under ATCC Accession Number X4, with a plant of anothersoybean variety that contains a desired trait to produce progeny plants,where the desired trait is selected from male sterility; herbicideresistance; insect or pest resistance; modified bolting; and resistanceto bacterial disease, fungal disease or viral disease; (b) selecting oneor more progeny plants that have the desired trait; (c) backcrossing theselected progeny plants with a ‘2987413’ plant to produce backcrossprogeny plants; (d) selecting for backcross progeny plants that have thedesired trait and all of the physiological and morphologicalcharacteristics of soybean variety ‘2987413’; and (e) repeating steps(c) and (d) two or more times in succession to produce selected third orhigher backcross progeny plants that include the desired trait. Certainembodiments are also directed to soybean plants produced by suchmethods, where the plants have the desired trait and all of thephysiological and morphological characteristics of soybean variety‘2987413’. In certain embodiments, the desired trait is herbicideresistance and the resistance is conferred to an herbicide selected fromglyphosate, sulfonylurea, imidazolinone, dicamba, glufosinate, phenoxyproprionic acid, L-phosphinothricin, cyclohexone, cyclohexanedione,triazine, and benzonitrile. In other embodiments, the desired trait isinsect or pest resistance and the insect or pest resistance is conferredby a transgene encoding a Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxin.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides for single geneconverted plants of ‘2987413’. The single transferred gene maypreferably be a dominant or recessive allele. Preferably, the singletransferred gene will confer such traits as male sterility, herbicideresistance, insect or pest resistance, modified fatty acid metabolism,modified carbohydrate metabolism, resistance for bacterial, fungal, orviral disease, male fertility, enhanced nutritional quality, andindustrial usage. The single gene may be a naturally occurring soybeangene or a transgene introduced through genetic engineering techniques.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to soybean seeddesignated as ‘2987331’ having ATCC Accession Number X5. In oneembodiment, the present invention is directed to a soybean plant andparts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘2987331’ soybean seed. Inanother embodiment, the present invention is directed to a soybean plantand parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological andmorphological characteristics of a soybean plant produced by growing‘2987331’ soybean seed having ATCC Accession Number X5. In still anotherembodiment, the present invention is directed to an F₁ hybrid soybeanseed, plants grown from the seed, a pollen grain, an ovule, aprotoplast, a cell, an embryo, a cotyledon, a hypocotyl, a meristem, aroot, a pistil, an anther, a flower, a stem, a pod, a leaf, a petiole,or a portion thereof, isolated therefrom having ‘2987331’ as a parent,wherein ‘2987331’ is grown from ‘2987331’ soybean seed having ATCCAccession Number X5.

Soybean plant parts include seed, a pollen grain, an ovule, aprotoplast, a cell, an embryo, a cotyledon, a hypocotyl, a meristem, aroot, a pistil, an anther, a flower, a stem, a pod, a leaf, a petiole,and the like. In another embodiment, the present invention is furtherdirected to a soybean pollen grain, ovule, protoplast, cell, embryo,cotyledon, hypocotyl, meristem, root, pistil, anther, flower, stem, pod,leaf, and/or petiole isolated from ‘2987331’ soybean plants. In anotherembodiment, the present invention is further directed to tissue cultureor cells derived from ‘2987331’ soybean plants.

In still another embodiment, the present invention is further directedto packaging material containing ‘2987331’ plant parts. Such packagingmaterial includes but is not limited to boxes, plastic bags, etc. The‘2987331’ plant parts may be combined with other plant parts of otherplant varieties.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention is further directed toa method of selecting soybean plants including (a) growing ‘2987331’soybean plants wherein the ‘2987331’ plants are grown from soybean seedhaving ATCC Accession Number X5 and (b) selecting a plant from step (a).In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed tosoybean plants, plant parts and seeds produced by the soybean plantswherein the soybean plants are isolated by the selection method of theinvention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to amethod of breeding soybean plants including crossing a soybean plantwith a plant grown from ‘2987331’ soybean seed having ATCC AccessionNumber X5. In still another embodiment, the present invention is furtherdirected to soybean plants, soybean parts from the soybean plants, andseeds produced therefrom where the soybean plant is isolated by thebreeding method of the invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods forproducing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or moretransgenes and to the transgenic soybean plant produced by thosemethods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods forproducing a male sterile soybean plant by introducing a nucleic acidmolecule that confers male sterility into a soybean plant produced bygrowing ‘2987331’ soybean seed, and to male sterile soybean plantsproduced by such methods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods ofproducing an herbicide resistant soybean plant by introducing a geneconferring herbicide resistance into a soybean plant produced by growing‘2987331’ soybean seed, where the gene is selected from glyphosate,sulfonylurea, imidazolinone, dicamba, glufosinate, phenoxy proprionicacid, L-phosphinothricin, cyclohexone, cyclohexanedione, triazine, andbenzonitrile. Certain embodiments are also directed to herbicideresistant soybean plants produced by such methods.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a tissue cultureof protoplasts and regenerable cells from a plant or parts thereof,produced by growing seed designated ‘2987331’, and a soybean plantregenerated from tissue culture.

In yet another aspect, a method of producing a commodity plant productis provided, which includes obtaining a plant grown from ‘2987331’soybean seed having ATCC Accession Number X5, or a part thereof, andproducing the commodity plant product therefrom. In some embodiments,the commodity plant product is protein concentrate, protein isolate,soybean hulls, soybean meal, soybean flour, or soybean oil.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods ofproducing a pest or insect resistant soybean plan by introducing a geneconferring pest or insect resistance into a soybean plant produced bygrowing ‘2987331’ soybean seed, and to pest or insect resistant soybeanplants produced by such methods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods ofproducing a disease resistant soybean plant by introducing a geneconferring disease resistance into a soybean plant produced by growing‘2987331’ soybean seed, and to disease resistant soybean plants producedby such methods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods ofproducing a soybean plant with a value-added trait by introducing a geneconferring a value-added trait into a soybean plant produced by growing‘2987331’ soybean seed, where the gene encodes a protein selected from aferritin, a nitrate reductase, and a monellin. Certain embodiments arealso directed to soybean plants having a value-added trait produced bysuch methods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods ofintroducing a desired trait into soybean variety ‘2987331’, by: (a)crossing a ‘2987331’ plant, where a sample of ‘2987331’ soybean seed wasdeposited under ATCC Accession Number X5, with a plant of anothersoybean variety that contains a desired trait to produce progeny plants,where the desired trait is selected from male sterility; herbicideresistance; insect or pest resistance; modified bolting; and resistanceto bacterial disease, fungal disease or viral disease; (b) selecting oneor more progeny plants that have the desired trait; (c) backcrossing theselected progeny plants with a ‘2987331’ plant to produce backcrossprogeny plants; (d) selecting for backcross progeny plants that have thedesired trait and all of the physiological and morphologicalcharacteristics of soybean variety ‘2987331’; and (e) repeating steps(c) and (d) two or more times in succession to produce selected third orhigher backcross progeny plants that include the desired trait. Certainembodiments are also directed to soybean plants produced by suchmethods, where the plants have the desired trait and all of thephysiological and morphological characteristics of soybean variety‘2987331’. In certain embodiments, the desired trait is herbicideresistance and the resistance is conferred to an herbicide selected fromglyphosate, sulfonylurea, imidazolinone, dicamba, glufosinate, phenoxyproprionic acid, L-phosphinothricin, cyclohexone, cyclohexanedione,triazine, and benzonitrile. In other embodiments, the desired trait isinsect or pest resistance and the insect or pest resistance is conferredby a transgene encoding a Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxin.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides for single geneconverted plants of ‘2987331’. The single transferred gene maypreferably be a dominant or recessive allele. Preferably, the singletransferred gene will confer such traits as male sterility, herbicideresistance, insect or pest resistance, modified fatty acid metabolism,modified carbohydrate metabolism, resistance for bacterial, fungal, orviral disease, male fertility, enhanced nutritional quality, andindustrial usage. The single gene may be a naturally occurring soybeangene or a transgene introduced through genetic engineering techniques.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

There are numerous steps in the development of novel, desirable soybeangermplasm. Plant breeding begins with the analysis of problems andweaknesses of current soybean germplasms, the establishment of programgoals, and the definition of specific breeding objectives. The next stepis selection of germplasm that possess the traits to meet the programgoals. The goal is to combine in a single variety or hybrid an improvedcombination of desirable traits from the parental germplasm. Theseimportant traits may include increased head size and weight, higher seedyield, improved color, resistance to diseases and insects, tolerance todrought and heat, and better agronomic quality.

Choice of breeding or selection methods can depend on the mode of plantreproduction, the heritability of the trait(s) being improved, and thetype of variety used commercially (e.g., F₁ hybrid variety, purelinevariety, etc.). For highly heritable traits, a choice of superiorindividual plants evaluated at a single location will be effective,whereas for traits with low heritability, selection should be based onmean values obtained from replicated evaluations of families of relatedplants. Popular selection methods commonly include pedigree selection,modified pedigree selection, mass selection, and recurrent selection.

The complexity of inheritance influences choice of the breeding method.Backcross breeding is used to transfer one or a few favorable genes fora highly heritable trait into a desirable variety. This approach hasbeen used extensively for breeding disease-resistant varieties. Variousrecurrent selection techniques are used to improve quantitativelyinherited traits controlled by numerous genes. The use of recurrentselection in self-pollinating crops depends on the ease of pollination,the frequency of successful hybrids from each pollination, and thenumber of hybrid offspring from each successful cross.

Each breeding program may include a periodic, objective evaluation ofthe efficiency of the breeding procedure. Evaluation criteria varydepending on the goal and objectives, and can include gain fromselection per year based on comparisons to an appropriate standard, theoverall value of the advanced breeding lines, and the number ofsuccessful varieties produced per unit of input (e.g., per year, perdollar expended, etc.).

Promising advanced breeding lines may be thoroughly tested and comparedto appropriate standards in environments representative of thecommercial target area(s) for at least three years. The best lines canthen be candidates for new commercial varieties. Those still deficientin a few traits may be used as parents to produce new populations forfurther selection. These processes, which lead to the final step ofmarketing and distribution, may take from ten to twenty years from thetime the first cross or selection is made.

One goal of soybean plant breeding is to develop new, unique, andgenetically superior soybean varieties. A breeder can initially selectand cross two or more parental lines, followed by repeated selfing andselection, producing many new genetic combinations. Moreover, a breedercan generate multiple different genetic combinations by crossing,selfing, and mutations. A plant breeder can then select which germplasmsto advance to the next generation. These germplasms may then be grownunder different geographical, climatic, and soil conditions, and furtherselections can be made during, and at the end of, the growing season.

The development of commercial soybean varieties thus requires thedevelopment of parental soybean varieties, the crossing of thesevarieties, and the evaluation of the crosses. Pedigree breeding andrecurrent selection breeding methods may be used to develop varietiesfrom breeding populations. Breeding programs can be used to combinedesirable traits from two or more varieties or various broad-basedsources into breeding pools from which new varieties are developed byselfing and selection of desired phenotypes. The new varieties arecrossed with other varieties and the hybrids from these crosses areevaluated to determine which have commercial potential.

Pedigree breeding is generally used for the improvement ofself-pollinating crops or inbred lines of cross-pollinating crops. Twoparents which possess favorable, complementary traits are crossed toproduce an F₁. An F₂ population is produced by selfing one or severalF₁′s or by intercrossing two F₁′s (sib mating). Selection of the bestindividuals is usually begun in the F₂ population. Then, beginning inthe F₃, the best individuals in the best families are selected.Replicated testing of families, or hybrid combinations involvingindividuals of these families, often follows in the F₄ generation toimprove the effectiveness of selection for traits with low heritability.At an advanced stage of inbreeding (i.e., F₆ and F₇), the best lines ormixtures of phenotypically similar lines are tested for potentialrelease as new varieties.

Mass and recurrent selections can be used to improve populations ofeither self- or cross-pollinating crops. A genetically variablepopulation of heterozygous individuals is either identified or createdby intercrossing several different parents. The best plants are selectedbased on individual superiority, outstanding progeny, or excellentcombining ability. The selected plants are intercrossed to produce a newpopulation in which further cycles of selection are continued.

Backcross breeding may be used to transfer genes for a simply inherited,highly heritable trait into a desirable homozygous cultivar or line thatis the recurrent parent. The source of the trait to be transferred iscalled the donor parent. The resulting plant is expected to have theattributes of the recurrent parent (e.g., cultivar) and the desirabletrait transferred from the donor parent. After the initial cross,individuals possessing the phenotype of the donor parent are selectedand repeatedly crossed (backcrossed) to the recurrent parent. Theresulting plant is expected to have the attributes of the recurrentparent (e.g., cultivar) and the desirable trait transferred from thedonor parent.

The single-seed descent procedure in the strict sense refers to plantinga segregating population, harvesting a sample of one seed per plant, andusing the one-seed sample to plant the next generation. When thepopulation has been advanced from the F₂ to the desired level ofinbreeding, the plants from which lines are derived will each trace todifferent F₂ individuals. The number of plants in a population declineswith each generation due to failure of some seeds to germinate or someplants to produce at least one seed. As a result, not all of the F₂plants originally sampled in the population will be represented by aprogeny when generation advance is completed.

In addition to phenotypic observations, the genotype of a plant can alsobe examined. There are many laboratory-based techniques known in the artthat are available for the analysis, comparison and characterization ofplant genotype. Such techniques include, without limitation, IsozymeElectrophoresis, Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (RFLPs),Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs), Arbitrarily PrimedPolymerase Chain Reaction (AP-PCR), DNA Amplification Fingerprinting(DAF), Sequence Characterized Amplified Regions (SCARs), AmplifiedFragment Length polymorphisms (AFLPs), Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs,which are also referred to as Microsatellites), and Single NucleotidePolymorphisms (SNPs).

Molecular markers can also be used during the breeding process for theselection of qualitative traits. For example, markers closely linked toalleles or markers containing sequences within the actual alleles ofinterest can be used to select plants that contain the alleles ofinterest during a backcrossing breeding program. The markers can also beused to select toward the genome of the recurrent parent and against themarkers of the donor parent. This procedure attempts to minimize theamount of genome from the donor parent that remains in the selectedplants. It can also be used to reduce the number of crosses back to therecurrent parent needed in a backcrossing program. The use of molecularmarkers in the selection process is often called genetic marker enhancedselection or marker-assisted selection. Molecular markers may also beused to identify and exclude certain sources of germplasm as parentalvarieties or ancestors of a plant by providing a means of trackinggenetic profiles through crosses.

Mutation breeding may also be used to introduce new traits into soybeanvarieties. Mutations that occur spontaneously or are artificiallyinduced can be useful sources of variability for a plant breeder. Thegoal of artificial mutagenesis is to increase the rate of mutation for adesired characteristic. Mutation rates can be increased by manydifferent means including temperature, long-term seed storage, tissueculture conditions, radiation (such as X-rays, Gamma rays, neutrons,Beta radiation, or ultraviolet radiation), chemical mutagens (such asbase analogs like 5-bromo-uracil), antibiotics, alkylating agents (suchas sulfur mustards, nitrogen mustards, epoxides, ethyleneamines,sulfates, sulfonates, sulfones, or lactones), azide, hydroxylamine,nitrous acid, or acridines. Once a desired trait is observed throughmutagenesis the trait may then be incorporated into existing germplasmby traditional breeding techniques. Details of mutation breeding can befound in Principles of Cultivar Development by Fehr, MacmillanPublishing Company (1993).

The production of double haploids can also be used for the developmentof homozygous varieties in a breeding program. Double haploids areproduced by the doubling of a set of chromosomes from a heterozygousplant to produce a completely homozygous individual. For example, seeWan, et al., Theor. Appl. Genet., 77:889-892 (1989).

Additional non-limiting examples of breeding methods that may be usedinclude, without limitation, those found in Allard, “Principles of plantbreeding,” John Wiley & Sons, NY, University of California, Davis,Calif., 50-98, 1960; Simmonds, “Principles of crop improvement,”Longman, Inc., NY, 369-399, 1979; Sneep and Hendriksen, “Plant breedingperspectives,” Wageningen (ed), Center for Agricultural Publishing andDocumentation, 1979; Fehr, In: Soybeans: Improvement, Production andUses,” 2d Ed., Manograph 16:249, 1987; Fehr, “Principles of cultivardevelopment,” Theory and Technique (Vol 1) and Crop Species Soybean (Vol2), Iowa State Univ., Macmillan Pub. Co., NY, 360-376, 1987; Poehlmanand Sleper, “Breeding Field Crops” Iowa State University Press, Ames,1995; and Sprague and Dudley, eds., Corn and Improvement, 5th ed., 2006.

Definitions

In the claims, descriptions, and tables that follow, numerous terms areused and are defined as follows:

Aerial Web Blight: caused by the fungus, Rhizoctonia solani, is visuallyscored from 1 to 9 based on the severity of fungal spots on vegetativetissue. A score of 1 indicates the most tolerant (no symptoms) and ascore of 9 indicates the most susceptible.

Allele: Any of one or more alternative forms of a gene locus, all ofwhich relate to one trait or characteristic. In a diploid cell ororganism, the two alleles of a given gene occupy corresponding loci on apair of homologous chromosomes.

Asian Soybean Rust (ASR): ASR may be visually scored from 1 to 5, where1=immune; 2=leaf exhibits red/brown lesions over less than 50% ofsurface; 3=leaf exhibits red/brown lesions over greater than 50% ofsurface; 4=leaf exhibits tan lesions over less than 50% of surface; and5=leaf exhibits tan lesions over greater than 50% of surface. Resistanceto ASR may be characterized phenotypically as well as genetically.Soybean plants phenotypically characterized as resistant to ASRtypically exhibit red brown lesions covering less than 25% of the leaf.Genetic characterization of ASR resistance may be carried out, forexample, by identifying the presence in a soybean plant of one or moregenetic markers linked to the ASR resistance.

Brown Stem Rot (BSR): caused by the fungus, Phialophora gregata, isvisually scored from 1 to 9 based on the severity of interveinal leafchlorosis (yellowing) and necrosis of stems. A score of 1 indicates themost resistance (no symptoms) and a score of 9 indicates the mostsusceptible.

Charcoal Rot Drought Complex: caused by the fungus, Macrophominaphaseolina, is a sandy-soil, mid-summer disease distinguished by grayspeckling within the lower stems of soybean plants.

Chloride Sensitivity: Plants may be categorized as “includers” or“excluders” with respect to chloride sensitivity. Excluders tend topartition chloride in the root systems and reduce the amount of chloridetransported to more sensitive, aboveground tissues. Therefore excludersmay display increased tolerance to elevated soil chloride levelscompared to includers. Greenhouse screening Chloride tolerance isreported on a 1-9 scale where a rating less than 3 is considered andexcluder and 4-9 is considered an includer.

Cotyledon: type of seed leaf. The cotyledon contains the food storagetissues of the seed. Cotyledon color can be measured as a characteristicof a cultivar.

Emergence (EMR): The emergence score describes the ability of a seed toemerge from the soil after planting. Each genotype is given a 1 to 9score based on its percent of emergence. A score of 1 indicates anexcellent rate and percent of emergence, an intermediate score of 5indicates an average rating and a 9 score indicates a very poor rate andpercent of emergence.

Flower color: modern soybeans are characterized by two major flowercolors, purple or white. Some cultivars are heterogeneous for flowercolor whereby some plants have purple flowers and some have white.

Frog Eye Leaf Spot (FELS): Greenhouse assay reaction scores are based onfoliar symptom severity, measured using a 1 to 9 scale based on thepercentage of leaf area affected. The scale is 1 to 9 where 1=no leafsymptoms and 9=severe leaf symptoms. One is the best rating. To testcultivars for Frog Eye Leaf Spot a disease nursery is artificiallyinoculated with spores. The ratings are done when the plants havereached the R5 to R6 growth stage. Visual calibration is done with leafphotos of different frogeye severity ratings. Resistant (R) correspondsto a rating<3, moderately resistant (MR) 3.0-4.9, moderately susceptible(MS) 5.0-6.9, and susceptible (S) >6.9.

Growth habit: refers to stem termination in soybeans and the resultantdifferences in flower production. “Indeterminate” cultivars continue togrow during the reproductive phase, producing new branches and nodesafter flowering is well underway. “Determinate” cultivars tend to delaythe onset of flowering somewhat, and limit new node and branchdevelopment after flowering has been initiated. “Semi-determinate”cultivars continue to produce new vegetative growth during thereproductive phase but growth terminates more quickly than inindeterminate cultivars.

Hilum: refers to the point of attachment of soybean seed to maternaltissue.

Hilum color: in modern soybeans may be black, brown, yellow, gray, buff,or imperfect black.

Iron-Deficiency Chlorosis (IDE=early; IDL=late): Iron-deficiencychlorosis is scored in a system ranging from 1 to 9 based on visualobservations. A score of 1 means no stunting of the plants or yellowingof the leaves and a score of 9 indicates the plants are dead or dyingcaused by iron-deficiency chlorosis; a score of 5 means plants haveintermediate health with some leaf yellowing.

Leaflet shape: the leaflet may be broad or narrow and may be lanceolate,ovate or oval in shape.

Linolenic Acid Content (LLN): Low-linolenic acid soybean oil containsthree percent or less linolenic acid, compared to eight percentlinolenic acid for traditional soybeans.

Lodging Resistance (LDG): Lodging is rated on a scale of 1 to 9. A scoreof 1 indicates erect plants. A score of 5 indicates plants are leaningat a 45 degree(s) angle in relation to the ground and a score of 9indicates plants are lying on the ground.

Maturity Date (MAT): Plants are considered mature when 95% of the podshave reached their mature color. The maturity date is typicallydescribed in measured days after August 31 in the northern hemisphere.

Moisture (MST): The average percentage moisture in the seeds of thevariety.

Oil or Oil Percent: Seed oil content is measured and reported on apercentage basis.

Phytophthora Root Rot (PRR): Disorder in which the most recognizablesymptom is stem rot. Brown discoloration ranges below the soil line andup to several inches above the soil line. Leaves often turn yellow, dullgreen and/or gray and may become brown and wilted, but remain attachedto the plant.

Phytophthora Allele: Susceptibility or resistance to Phytophthora rootrot races is affected by alleles such as Rps1a (denotes resistance toRaces 1, 2, 10, 11, 13-18, 24, 26, 27, 31, 32, and 36); Rps1c (denotesresistance to Races 1-3, 6-11, 13, 15, 17, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28-30, 32, 34and 36); Rps1k (denotes resistance to Races 1-11, 13-15, 17, 18, 21-24,26, 36 and 37); Rps2 (denotes resistance to Races 1-5, 9-29, 33, 34 and36-39); Rps3a (denotes resistance to Races 1-5, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16,18, 23, 25, 28, 29, 31-35); Rps6 (denotes resistance to Races 1-4, 10,12, 14-16, 18-21 and 25); and Rps7 (denotes resistance to Races 2, 12,16, 18, 19, 33, 35 and 36).

Phytophthora Tolerance: Tolerance to Phytophthora root rot is rated on ascale of 1 to 9 in the greenhouse assay, where a rating less than 3.5 isconsidered tolerant, between 3.5-6 is considered moderately tolerant,and greater than 6 indicates sensitivity to Phytophthora. (Note that ascore in the 1-2 range may indicate resistance and therefore not be atrue reflection of high tolerance to Phytophthora).

Plant Height (PHT): Plant height is taken from the top of soil to thetop node of the plant and is measured in inches.

Predicted Relative Maturity (PRM): The maturity grouping designated bythe soybean industry over a given growing area. This figure is generallydivided into tenths of a relative maturity group. Within narrowcomparisons, the difference of a tenth of a relative maturity groupequates very roughly to a day difference in maturity at harvest.

Protein (PRO), or Protein Percent: Seed protein content is measured andreported on a percentage basis.

Relative Maturity: The maturity grouping designated by the soybeanindustry over a given growing area. This figure is generally dividedinto tenths of a relative maturity group. Within narrow comparisons, thedifference of a tenth of a relative maturity group equates very roughlyto a day difference in maturity at harvest.

Seed Protein Peroxidase Activity: Seed protein peroxidase activity isdefined as a chemical taxonomic technique to separate varieties based onthe presence or absence of the peroxidase enzyme in the seed coat. Thereare two types of soybean varieties, those having high peroxidaseactivity (dark red color) and those having low peroxidase activity (nocolor).

Seed Weight (SWT): Soybean seeds vary in size; therefore, the number ofseeds required to make up one pound also varies. This affects the poundsof seed required to plant a given area, and can also impact end uses.(SW100=weight in grams of 100 seeds).

Seed Yield (Bushels/Acre): The yield in bushels/acre is the actual yieldof the grain at harvest.

Seedling Vigor Rating (SDV): General health of the seedling, measured ona scale of 1 to 9, where 1 is best and 9 is worst.

Seeds per Pound: Soybean seeds vary in size; therefore, the number ofseeds required to make up one pound also varies. This affects the poundsof seed required to plant a given area, and can also impact end uses.

Shattering: The amount of pod dehiscence prior to harvest. Poddehiscence involves seeds falling from the pods to the soil. This is avisual score from 1 to 9 comparing all genotypes within a given test. Ascore of 1 means pods have not opened and no seeds have fallen out. Ascore of 5 indicates approximately 50% of the pods have opened, withseeds falling to the ground and a score of 9 indicates 100% of the podsare opened.

Southern Root Knot Nematode (SRKN): Greenhouse assay reaction scores arebased on severity, measured using a 1-9 scale. Resistant (R) correspondsto a rating<6.1, moderately resistant (MR) to 6.1<6.6, moderatelyresistant to moderately susceptible (MR-MS) 6.6<7.4, and susceptible (S)>7.4.

Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN): Greenhouse screening scores are based on afemale index % of Lee 74. Resistant (R) corresponds to a rating<10%,moderately resistant (MR) 10-21.9%, moderately resistant to moderatelysusceptible (MR-MS) 22-39.9%, and susceptible (S) >39.9%.

Stearate: A fatty acid in soybean seeds measured and reported as apercent of the total oil content.

Substantially Equivalent: A characteristic that, when compared, does notshow a statistically significant difference (e.g., p=0.05) from themean.

Sudden Death Syndrome: Leaf symptoms appear first as bright yellowchlorotic spots with progressive development of brown necrotic areas andeventual leaflet drop. Greenhouse screening plants are scored on a 1-9scale based on foliar symptom severity, measured using a 1-9 scale.Resistant (R) corresponds to a rating<3, moderately resistant (MR)3.0-4.9, moderately susceptible (MS) 5.0-6.9, susceptible (S) 7.0-8.0and highly susceptible (HS) >8.

Overview of the Variety ‘2984050’

Soybean variety ‘2984050’ is a soybean plant with an indeterminate planthabit and an erect plant lodging. Soybean variety ‘2984050’ is theresult of numerous generations of plant selections chosen for itsresistance to Stem canker: southern (Diaporthe phaseolorum var.meridionalis), Phytophthora root rot (Phytophthora sojae (Kaufmann &Gerdemann)) race 1, and Phytophthora root rot (Phytophthora sojae(Kaufmann & Gerdemann)) race 4; its tolerance to sulfonylurea; its saltexcluder phenotype; and its classification as maturity group III,subgroup 7.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, withinthe limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has beenself-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with carefulattention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased withcontinued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have beenobserved or are expected in variety ‘2984050’.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘2984050’

The cultivar description information (Table 1) provides a summary ofsoybean cultivar ‘2984050’ plant characteristics. Those of skill in theart will recognize that these are typical values that may vary due toenvironment and that other values that are substantially equivalent arewithin the scope of the invention. As used herein, “a soybean planthaving the physiological and morphological characteristics of soybeancultivar ‘2984050’” is a plant having the characteristics set forth inTable 1 when grown in the same environmental conditions.

TABLE 1 Characteristic Value Morphology Seed Shape Spherical Seed Size2882 Hilum Color Black Cotyledon Color Yellow Leaf Color Medium GreenFlower Color Purple Pod Color Brown Pubescence Color Light Tawny PlantHabit Indeterminate Plant Lodging Erect Maturity Group III MaturitySubgroup 7 Fungal and Oomycete Disease Resistance Stem canker: southern(Diaporthe phaseolorum var. meridionalis) Resistant Phytophthora rootrot (Phytophthora sojae (Kaufmann & Gerdemann)) race 1 ResistantPhytophthora root rot (Phytophthora sojae (Kaufmann & Gerdemann)) race 4Resistant Nematode Disease Resistance Soybean cyst nematode (Heteroderaglycines Ichinohe) race 3, HG type 0 Moderately Susceptible Soybean cystnematode (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) race 14, HG type 1.3.6.7Susceptible Southern Root Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita)Susceptible Physiological Responses Sulfonylurea Tolerant Salt Excluder

Overview of the Variety ‘2984004’

Soybean variety ‘2984004’ is a soybean plant with an indeterminate planthabit and an erect to semi-erect plant lodging. Soybean variety‘2984004’ is the result of numerous generations of plant selectionschosen for its resistance to Stem canker: southern (Diaporthephaseolorum var. meridionalis), Phytophthora root rot (Phytophthorasojae (Kaufmann & Gerdemann)) race 1, and Phytophthora root rot(Phytophthora sojae (Kaufmann & Gerdemann)) race 4; its tolerance tosulfonylurea; its salt includer phenotype; and its classification asmaturity group IV, subgroup 2.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, withinthe limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has beenself-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with carefulattention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased withcontinued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have beenobserved or are expected in variety ‘2984004’.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘2984004’

The cultivar description information (Table 2) provides a summary ofsoybean cultivar ‘2984004’ plant characteristics. Those of skill in theart will recognize that these are typical values that may vary due toenvironment and that other values that are substantially equivalent arewithin the scope of the invention. As used herein, “a soybean planthaving the physiological and morphological characteristics of soybeancultivar ‘2984004’” is a plant having the characteristics set forth inTable 2 when grown in the same environmental conditions.

TABLE 2 Characteristic Value Morphology Seed Shape Spherical Seed Size2785 Hilum Color Black Cotyledon Color Yellow Leaf Color Medium GreenFlower Color Purple Pod Color Brown Pubescence Color Light Tawny PlantHabit Indeterminate Plant Lodging Erect to Semi-Erect Maturity Group IVMaturity Subgroup 2 Fungal and Oomycete Disease Resistance Stem canker:southern (Diaporthe phaseolorum var. meridionalis) ResistantPhytophthora root rot (Phytophthora sojae (Kaufmann & Gerdemann)) race 1Resistant Phytophthora root rot (Phytophthora sojae (Kaufmann &Gerdemann)) race 4 Resistant Soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycinesIchinohe) race 3, HG type 0 Moderately Susceptible Soybean cyst nematode(Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) race 14, HG type 1.3.6.7 SusceptibleSouthern Root Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) SusceptibleSulfonylurea Tolerant Salt Includer

Overview of the Variety ‘2987416’

Soybean variety ‘2987416’ is a soybean plant with an indeterminate planthabit. Soybean variety ‘2987416’ is the result of numerous generationsof plant selections chosen for its resistance to Stem canker: southern(Diaporthe phaseolorum var. meridionalis), and Phytophthora root rot(Phytophthora sojae (Kaufmann & Gerdemann)) race 1; its tolerance tosulfonylurea; its salt includer phenotype; and its classification asmaturity group IV, subgroup 5.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, withinthe limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has beenself-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with carefulattention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased withcontinued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have beenobserved or are expected in variety ‘2987416’.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘2987416’

The cultivar description information (Table 3) provides a summary ofsoybean cultivar ‘2987416’ plant characteristics. Those of skill in theart will recognize that these are typical values that may vary due toenvironment and that other values that are substantially equivalent arewithin the scope of the invention. As used herein, “a soybean planthaving the physiological and morphological characteristics of soybeancultivar ‘2987416’” is a plant having the characteristics set forth inTable 3 when grown in the same environmental conditions.

TABLE 3 Characteristic Value Morphology Seed Shape Spherical Seed Size3266 Hilum Color Black Cotyledon Color Yellow Leaf Color Medium GreenFlower Color White Pod Color Tan Pubescence Color Light Tawny PlantHabit Indeterminate Maturity Group IV Maturity Subgroup 5 Fungal andOomycete Disease Resistance Stem canker: southern (Diaporthe phaseolorumvar. meridionalis) Resistant Phytophthora root rot (Phytophthora sojae(Kaufmann & Gerdemann)) race 1 Resistant Phytophthora root rot(Phytophthora sojae (Kaufmann & Gerdemann)) race 4 Susceptible NematodeDisease Resistance Soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe)race 3, HG type 0 Moderately Susceptible Soybean cyst nematode(Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) race 14, HG type 1.3.6.7 SusceptibleSouthern Root Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) SusceptiblePhysiological Responses Sulfonylurea Tolerant Salt Includer

Overview of the Variety ‘2987413’

Soybean variety ‘2987413’ is a soybean plant with an indeterminate planthabit. Soybean variety ‘2987413’ is the result of numerous generationsof plant selections chosen for its resistance to Stem canker: southern(Diaporthe phaseolorum var. meridionalis), and Phytophthora root rot(Phytophthora sojae (Kaufmann & Gerdemann)) race 1; its tolerance tosulfonylurea; its salt includer phenotype; and its classification asmaturity group IV, subgroup 7.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, withinthe limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has beenself-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with carefulattention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased withcontinued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have beenobserved or are expected in variety ‘2987413’.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘2987413’

The cultivar description information (Table 4) provides a summary ofsoybean cultivar ‘2987413’ plant characteristics. Those of skill in theart will recognize that these are typical values that may vary due toenvironment and that other values that are substantially equivalent arewithin the scope of the invention. As used herein, “a soybean planthaving the physiological and morphological characteristics of soybeancultivar ‘2987413’” is a plant having the characteristics set forth inTable 4 when grown in the same environmental conditions.

TABLE 4 Characteristic Value Morphology Seed Shape Spherical Seed Size3199 Hilum Color Black Cotyledon Color Yellow Leaf Color Medium GreenFlower Color White Pod Color Tan Pubescence Color Light Tawny PlantHabit Indeterminate Maturity Group IV Maturity Subgroup 7 Fungal andOomycete Disease Resistance Stem canker: southern (Diaporthe phaseolorumvar. meridionalis) Resistant Phytophthora root rot (Phytophthora sojae(Kaufmann & Gerdemann)) race 1 Resistant Phytophthora root rot(Phytophthora sojae (Kaufmann & Gerdemann)) race 4 Susceptible Soybeancyst nematode (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) race 3, HG type 0Moderately Susceptible Soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycinesIchinohe) race 14, HG type 1.3.6.7 Susceptible Southern Root KnotNematode (Meloidogyne incognita) Susceptible Sulfonylurea Tolerant SaltIncluder

Overview of the Variety ‘2987331’

Soybean variety ‘2987331’ is a soybean plant with an indeterminate planthabit. Soybean variety ‘2987331’ is the result of numerous generationsof plant selections chosen for its resistance to Stem canker: southern(Diaporthe phaseolorum var. meridionalis), and Phytophthora root rot(Phytophthora sojae (Kaufmann & Gerdemann)) race 1; its tolerance tosulfonylurea; its salt includer phenotype; and its classification asmaturity group IV, subgroup 9.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, withinthe limits of environmental influence for the traits. It has beenself-pollinated a sufficient number of generations with carefulattention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased withcontinued observation for uniformity. No variant traits have beenobserved or are expected in variety ‘2987331’.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘2987331’

The cultivar description information (Table 5) provides a summary ofsoybean cultivar ‘2987331’ plant characteristics. Those of skill in theart will recognize that these are typical values that may vary due toenvironment and that other values that are substantially equivalent arewithin the scope of the invention. As used herein, “a soybean planthaving the physiological and morphological characteristics of soybeancultivar ‘2987331’” is a plant having the characteristics set forth inTable 5 when grown in the same environmental conditions.

TABLE 5 Characteristic Value Morphology Seed Shape Spherical Seed Size3030 Hilum Color Black Cotyledon Color Yellow Leaf Color Medium GreenFlower Color White Pod Color Tan Pubescence Color Light Tawny PlantHabit Indeterminate Maturity Group IV Maturity Subgroup 9 Fungal andOomycete Disease Resistance Stem canker: southern (Diaporthe phaseolorumvar. meridionalis) Resistant Phytophthora root rot (Phytophthora sojae(Kaufmann & Gerdemann)) race 1 Resistant Phytophthora root rot(Phytophthora sojae (Kaufmann & Gerdemann)) race 4 Susceptible NematodeDisease Resistance Soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe)race 3, HG type 0 Susceptible Soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycinesIchinohe) race 14, HG type 1.3.6.7 Susceptible Southern Root KnotNematode (Meloidogyne incognita) Moderately Susceptible PhysiologicalResponses Sulfonylurea Tolerant Salt Includer

Further Embodiments

Additional methods include, but are not limited to, expression vectorsintroduced into plant tissues using a direct gene transfer method, suchas microprojectile-mediated delivery, DNA injection, electroporation,and the like. More preferably, expression vectors are introduced intoplant tissues by using either microprojectile-mediated delivery with abiolistic device or by using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation.Transformed plants obtained with the protoplasm of the invention areintended to be within the scope of this invention.

With the advent of molecular biological techniques that have allowed theisolation and characterization of genes that encode specific proteinproducts, scientists in the field of plant biology developed a stronginterest in engineering the genome of plants to contain and expressforeign genes, or additional, or modified versions of native, orendogenous, genes (perhaps driven by different promoters) in order toalter the traits of a plant in a specific manner. Any DNA sequences,whether from a different species or from the same species, which areintroduced into the genome using transformation or various breedingmethods, are referred to herein collectively as “transgenes.” Over thelast fifteen to twenty years, several methods for producing transgenicplants have been developed, and the present invention, in particularembodiments, also relates to transformed versions of the claimed line.

Nucleic acids or polynucleotides refer to RNA or DNA that is linear orbranched, single or double stranded, or a hybrid thereof. The term alsoencompasses RNA/DNA hybrids. These terms also encompass untranslatedsequence located at both the 3′ and 5′ ends of the coding region of thegene: at least about 1000 nucleotides of sequence upstream from the 5′end of the coding region and at least about 200 nucleotides of sequencedownstream from the 3′ end of the coding region of the gene. Less commonbases, such as inosine, 5-methylcytosine, 6-methyladenine, hypoxanthine,and others can also be used for antisense, dsRNA, and ribozyme pairing.For example, polynucleotides that contain C-5 propyne analogues ofuridine and cytidine have been shown to bind RNA with high affinity andto be potent antisense inhibitors of gene expression. Othermodifications, such as modification to the phosphodiester backbone, orthe 2′-hydroxy in the ribose sugar group of the RNA can also be made.The antisense polynucleotides and ribozymes can consist entirely ofribonucleotides, or can contain mixed ribonucleotides anddeoxyribonucleotides. The polynucleotides of the invention may beproduced by any means, including genomic preparations, cDNApreparations, in vitro synthesis, RT-PCR, and in vitro or in vivotranscription.

Plant transformation involves the construction of an expression vectorthat will function in plant cells. Such a vector contains DNA thatcontains a gene under control of, or operatively linked to, a regulatoryelement (for example, a promoter). The expression vector may contain oneor more such operably linked gene/regulatory element combinations. Thevector(s) may be in the form of a plasmid, and can be used alone or incombination with other plasmids, to provide transformed soybean plantsusing transformation methods as described below to incorporatetransgenes into the genetic material of the soybean plant(s).

Expression Vectors for Soybean Transformation: Marker Genes

Expression vectors include at least one genetic marker, operably linkedto a regulatory element (for example, a promoter) that allowstransformed cells containing the marker to be either recovered bynegative selection, i.e., inhibiting growth of cells that do not containthe selectable marker gene, or by positive selection, i.e., screeningfor the product encoded by the genetic marker. Many commonly usedselectable marker genes for plant transformation are well known in thetransformation arts, and include, for example, genes that code forenzymes that metabolically detoxify a selective chemical agent which maybe an antibiotic or an herbicide, or genes that encode an altered targetwhich is insensitive to the inhibitor. A few positive selection methodsare also known in the art.

One commonly used selectable marker gene for plant transformation is theneomycin phosphotransferase II (nptII) gene, isolated from transposonTn5, which when placed under the control of plant regulatory signalsconfers resistance to kanamycin. Fraley, et al., PNAS, 80:4803 (1983).Another commonly used selectable marker gene is the hygromycinphosphotransferase gene which confers resistance to the antibiotichygromycin. Vanden Elzen, et al., Plant Mol. Biol., 5:299 (1985).

Additional selectable marker genes of bacterial origin that conferresistance to antibiotics include gentamycin acetyl transferase,streptomycin phosphotransferase, aminoglycoside-3′-adenyl transferase,the bleomycin resistance determinant. Hayford, et al., Plant Physiol.,86:1216 (1988); Jones, et al., Mol. Gen. Genet., 210:86 (1987); Svab, etal., Plant Mol. Biol., 14:197 (1990); Hille, et al., Plant Mol. Biol.,7:171 (1986). Other selectable marker genes confer resistance toherbicides such as glyphosate, glufosinate, or bromoxynil. Comai, etal., Nature, 317:741-744 (1985); Gordon-Kamm, et al., Plant Cell,2:603-618 (1990); and Stalker, et al., Science, 242:419-423 (1988).

Selectable marker genes for plant transformation that are not ofbacterial origin include, for example, mouse dihydrofolate reductase,plant 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase, and plantacetolactate synthase. Eichholtz, et al., Somatic Cell Mol. Genet.,13:67 (1987); Shah, et al., Science, 233:478 (1986); and Charest, etal., Plant Cell Rep., 8:643 (1990).

Another class of marker genes for plant transformation requiresscreening of presumptively transformed plant cells rather than directgenetic selection of transformed cells for resistance to a toxicsubstance such as an antibiotic. These genes are particularly useful toquantify or visualize the spatial pattern of expression of a gene inspecific tissues and are frequently referred to as reporter genesbecause they can be fused to a gene or gene regulatory sequence for theinvestigation of gene expression. Commonly used genes for screeningpresumptively transformed cells include α-glucuronidase (GUS),α-galactosidase, luciferase, chloramphenicol, and acetyltransferase.Jefferson, R.A., Plant Mol. Biol., 5:387 (1987); Teeri, et al., EMBO J.,8:343 (1989); Koncz, et al., PNAS, 84:131 (1987); and DeBlock, et al.,EMBO J., 3:1681 (1984).

In vivo methods for visualizing GUS activity that do not requiredestruction of plant tissues are available. Molecular Probes,Publication 2908, IMAGENE GREEN, pp. 1-4 (1993) and Naleway, et al., J.Cell Biol., 115:151a (1991). However, these in vivo methods forvisualizing GUS activity have not proven useful for recovery oftransformed cells because of low sensitivity, high fluorescentbackgrounds, and limitations associated with the use of GUS genes asselectable markers.

More recently, a gene encoding Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) has beenutilized as a marker for gene expression in prokaryotic and eukaryoticcells. Chalfie, et al., Science, 263:802 (1994). GFP and mutants of GFPmay be used as screenable markers.

Expression Vectors for Soybean Transformation: Promoters

Genes included in expression vectors must be driven by a nucleotidesequence containing a regulatory element (for example, a promoter).Several types of promoters are now well known in the transformationarts, as are other regulatory elements that can be used alone or incombination with promoters.

As used herein, “promoter” includes reference to a region of DNAupstream from the start of transcription and involved in recognition andbinding of RNA polymerase and other proteins to initiate transcription.A “plant promoter” is a promoter capable of initiating transcription inplant cells. Examples of promoters under developmental control includepromoters that preferentially initiate transcription in certain tissues,such as leaves, roots, seeds, fibers, xylem vessels, tracheids, orsclerenchyma. Such promoters are referred to as “tissue-preferred.”Promoters which initiate transcription only in certain tissues arereferred to as “tissue-specific.” A “cell type” specific promoterprimarily drives expression in certain cell types in one or more organs,for example, vascular cells in roots or leaves. An “inducible” promoteris a promoter which is under environmental control. Examples ofenvironmental conditions that may affect transcription by induciblepromoters include anaerobic conditions or the presence of light.Tissue-specific, tissue-preferred, cell type specific, and induciblepromoters constitute the class of “non-constitutive” promoters. A“constitutive” promoter is a promoter which is active under mostenvironmental conditions.

A. Inducible Promoters:

An inducible promoter is operably linked to a gene for expression insoybean. Optionally, the inducible promoter is operably linked to anucleotide sequence encoding a signal sequence which is operably linkedto a gene for expression in soybean. With an inducible promoter, therate of transcription increases in response to an inducing agent.

Any inducible promoter can be used in the instant invention. See Ward,et al., Plant Mol. Biol., 22:361-366 (1993). Exemplary induciblepromoters include, but are not limited to, that from the ACEI systemwhich responds to copper (Meft, et al., PNAS, 90:4567-4571 (1993)); In2gene from maize which responds to benzenesulfonamide herbicide safeners(Hershey, et al., Mol. Gen. Genet., 227:229-237 (1991) and Gatz, et al.,Mol. Gen. Genet., 243:32-38 (1994)) or Tet repressor from Tn10 (Gatz, etal., Mol. Gen. Genet., 227:229-237 (1991)). A particularly preferredinducible promoter is a promoter that responds to an inducing agent towhich plants do not normally respond. An exemplary inducible promoter isthe inducible promoter from a steroid hormone gene, the transcriptionalactivity of which is induced by a glucocorticosteroid hormone. Schena,et al., PNAS, 88:0421 (1991).

B. Constitutive Promoters:

A constitutive promoter is operably linked to a gene for expression insoybean or the constitutive promoter is operably linked to a nucleotidesequence encoding a signal sequence which is operably linked to a genefor expression in soybean.

Many different constitutive promoters can be utilized in the instantinvention. Exemplary constitutive promoters include, but are not limitedto, the promoters from plant viruses such as the 35S promoter from CaMV(Odell, et al., Nature, 313:810-812 (1985)) and the promoters from suchgenes as rice actin (McElroy, et al., Plant Cell, 2:163-171 (1990));ubiquitin (Christensen, et al., Plant Mol. Biol., 12:619-632 (1989) andChristensen, et al., Plant Mol. Biol., 18:675-689 (1992)); pEMU (Last,et al., Theor. Appl. Genet., 81:581-588 (1991)); MAS (Velten, et al.,EMBO J., 3:2723-2730 (1984)) and maize H3 histone (Lepetit, et al., Mol.Gen. Genet., 231:276-285 (1992) and Atanassova, et al., Plant J., 2(3):291-300 (1992)). The ALS promoter, Xba1/Ncol fragment 5′ to theBrassica napus ALS3 structural gene (or a nucleotide sequence similarityto said Xba1/Ncol fragment), represents a particularly usefulconstitutive promoter. See PCT Application No. WO 96/30530.

C. Tissue-Specific or Tissue-Preferred Promoters:

A tissue-specific promoter is operably linked to a gene for expressionin soybean. Optionally, the tissue-specific promoter is operably linkedto a nucleotide sequence encoding a signal sequence which is operablylinked to a gene for expression in soybean. Plants transformed with agene of interest operably linked to a tissue-specific promoter producethe protein product of the transgene exclusively, or preferentially, ina specific tissue.

Any tissue-specific or tissue-preferred promoter can be utilized in theinstant invention. Exemplary tissue-specific or tissue-preferredpromoters include, but are not limited to, a root-preferred promoter,such as that from the phaseolin gene (Murai, et al., Science, 23:476-482(1983) and Sengupta-Gopalan, et al., PNAS, 82:3320-3324 (1985)); aleaf-specific and light-induced promoter such as that from cab orrubisco (Simpson, et al., EMBO J., 4(11):2723-2729 (1985) and Timko, etal., Nature, 318:579-582 (1985)); an anther-specific promoter such asthat from LAT52 (Twell, et al., Mol. Gen. Genet., 217:240-245 (1989)); apollen-specific promoter such as that from Zm13 (Guerrero, et al., Mol.Gen. Genet., 244:161-168 (1993)) or a microspore-preferred promoter suchas that from apg (Twell, et al., Sex. Plant Reprod., 6:217-224 (1993)).

Signal Sequences for Targeting Proteins to Subcellular Compartments

Transport of protein produced by transgenes to a subcellular compartmentsuch as the chloroplast, vacuole, peroxisome, glyoxysome, cell wall, ormitochondrion, or for secretion into the apoplast, is accomplished bymeans of operably linking the nucleotide sequence encoding a signalsequence to the 5′ and/or 3′ region of a gene encoding the protein ofinterest. Targeting sequences at the 5′ and/or 3′ end of the structuralgene may determine, during protein synthesis and processing, where theencoded protein is ultimately compartmentalized.

The presence of a signal sequence directs a polypeptide to either anintracellular organelle or subcellular compartment or for secretion tothe apoplast. Many signal sequences are known in the art. See, forexample, Becker, et al., Plant Mol. Biol., 20:49 (1992); Close, P.S.,Master’s Thesis, Iowa State University (1993); Knox, C., et al.,“Structure and Organization of Two Divergent Alpha-Amylase Genes fromBarley,” Plant Mol. Biol., 9:3-17 (1987); Lerner, et al., PlantPhysiol., 91:124-129 (1989); Fontes, et al., Plant Cell, 3:483-496(1991); Matsuoka, et al., PNAS, 88:834 (1991); Gould, et al., J. Cell.Biol., 108:1657 (1989); Creissen, et al., Plant J., 2:129 (1991);Kalderon, et al., A short amino acid sequence able to specify nuclearlocation, Cell, 39:499-509 (1984); and Steifel, et al., Expression of amaize cell wall hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein gene in early leaf androot vascular differentiation, Plant Cell, 2:785-793 (1990).

Foreign Protein Genes and Agronomic Genes

With transgenic plants according to the present invention, a foreignprotein can be produced in commercial quantities. Thus, techniques forthe selection and propagation of transformed plants, which are wellunderstood in the art, yield a plurality of transgenic plants which areharvested in a conventional manner, and a foreign protein then can beextracted from a tissue of interest or from total biomass. Proteinextraction from plant biomass can be accomplished by known methods whichare discussed, for example, by Heney and Orr, Anal. Biochem., 114:92-6(1981).

According to a preferred embodiment, the transgenic plant provided forcommercial production of foreign protein is soybean. In anotherpreferred embodiment, the biomass of interest is seed. For therelatively small number of transgenic plants that show higher levels ofexpression, a genetic map can be generated, primarily via conventionalRFLP, PCR, and SSR analysis, which identifies the approximatechromosomal location of the integrated DNA molecule. For exemplarymethodologies in this regard, see Methods in Plant Molecular Biology andBiotechnology, Glick and Thompson Eds., 269:284, CRC Press, Boca Raton(1993). Map information concerning chromosomal location is useful forproprietary protection of a subject transgenic plant. If unauthorizedpropagation is undertaken and crosses made with other germplasm, the mapof the integration region can be compared to similar maps for suspectplants, to determine if the latter have a common parentage with thesubject plant. Map comparisons would involve hybridizations, RFLP, PCR,SSR, and sequencing, all of which are conventional techniques.

Likewise, by means of the present invention, agronomic genes can beexpressed in transformed plants. More particularly, plants can begenetically engineered to express various phenotypes of agronomicinterest. Exemplary genes implicated in this regard include, but are notlimited to, those categorized below:

Genes That Confer Resistance to Pests or Disease

Plant defenses are often activated by specific interaction between theproduct of a disease resistance gene (R) in the plant and the product ofa corresponding avirulence (Avr) gene in the pathogen. A plant line canbe transformed with one or more cloned resistance gene to engineerplants that are resistant to specific pathogen strains. See, for exampleJones et al. (Science, 266:7891, 1994) (cloning of the tomato Cf-9 genefor resistance to Cladosporium fulvum); Martin et al. (Science, 262:1432, 1993) (tomato Pto gene for resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv.tomato); and Mindrinos et al. (Cell, 78(6):1089-1099, 1994) (ArabidopsisRPS2 gene for resistance to Pseudomonas syringae).

A viral-invasive protein or a complex toxin derived therefrom may alsobe used for viral disease resistance. For example, the accumulation ofviral coat proteins in transformed plant cells imparts resistance toviral infection and/or disease development effected by the virus fromwhich the coat protein gene is derived, as well as by related viruses.See Beachy et al. (Ann. Rev. Phytopathol., 28:451, 1990). Coatprotein-mediated resistance has been conferred upon transformed plantsagainst alfalfa mosaic virus, cucumber mosaic virus, tobacco streakvirus, potato virus X, potato virus Y, tobacco etch virus, tobaccorattle virus and tobacco mosaic virus. Id.

A virus-specific antibody may also be used. See, for example,Tavladoraki et al. (Nature, 366:469, 1993), who show that transgenicplants expressing recombinant antibody genes are protected from virusattack. Virus resistance has also been described in, for example, U.S.Pat. Nos. 6,617,496; 6,608,241; 6,015,940; 6,013,864; 5,850,023 and5,304,730. Additional means of inducing whole-plant resistance to apathogen include modulation of the systemic acquired resistance (SAR) orpathogenesis related (PR) genes, for example genes homologous to theArabidopsis thaliana NIM1/NPR1/SAI1, and/or by increasing salicylic acidproduction (Ryals et al., Plant Cell, 8:1809-1819, 1996).

Logemann et al. (Biotechnology, 10:305, 1992), for example, disclosetransgenic plants expressing a barley ribosome-inactivating gene thathave an increased resistance to fungal disease. Plant defensins may beused to provide resistance to fungal pathogens (Thomma et al., Planta,216:193-202, 2002). Other examples of fungal disease resistance areprovided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,653,280; 6,573,361; 6,506,962; 6,316,407;6,215,048; 5,516,671; 5,773,696; 6,121,436; and 6,316,407.

Logemann et al. (, 10:305, 1992), for example, disclose transgenicplants expressing a barley ribosome-inactivating gene that have anincreased resistance to fungal disease. Plant defensins may be used toprovide resistance to fungal pathogens (Thomma et al., Planta,216:193-202, 2002). Other examples of fungal disease resistance areprovided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,653,280; 6,573,361; 6,506,962; 6,316,407;6,215,048; 5,516,671; 5,773,696; 6,121,436; and 6,316,407.

The use of the herbicide glyphosate for disease control in soybeanplants containing event MON89788, which confers glyphosate tolerance,has also been described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,608,761.

Genes That Confer Resistance to Insects

One example of an insect resistance gene includes a Bacillusthuringiensis protein, a derivative thereof or a synthetic polypeptidemodeled thereon. See, for example, Geiser et al. (Gene, 48(1):109-118,1986), who disclose the cloning and nucleotide sequence of a Bacillusthuringiensis δ-endotoxin gene. Moreover, DNA molecules encodingδ-endotoxin genes can be purchased from the American Type CultureCollection, Manassas, Va., for example, under ATCC Accession Nos. 40098,67136, 31995 and 31998. Another example is a lectin. See, for example,Van Damme et al. (Plant Molec. Biol., 24:25, 1994), who disclose thenucleotide sequences of several Clivia miniata mannose-binding lectingenes. A vitamin-binding protein may also be used, such as avidin. SeePCT Application No. US93/06487, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference. This application teaches the use of avidinand avidin homologues as larvicides against insect pests.

Another insect resistance gene is an enzyme inhibitor, for example, aprotease or proteinase inhibitor or an amylase inhibitor. See, forexample, Abe et al. (J. Biol. Chem., 262:16793, 1987) (nucleotidesequence of rice cysteine proteinase inhibitor), Huub et al. (PlantMolec. Biol., 21:985, 1993) (nucleotide sequence of cDNA encodingtobacco proteinase inhibitor I), and Sumitani et al. (Biosci. Biotech.Biochem., 57:1243, 1993) (nucleotide sequence of Streptomycesnitrosporeus α-amylase inhibitor).

An insect-specific hormone or pheromone may also be used. See, forexample, the disclosure by Hammock et al. (Nature, 344:458, 1990), ofbaculovirus expression of cloned juvenile hormone esterase, aninactivator of juvenile hormone; Gade and Goldsworthy (Eds.Physiological System in Insects, Elsevier Academic Press, Burlington,Mass., 2007), describing allostatins and their potential use in pestcontrol; and Palli et al. (Vitam. Horm., 73:59-100, 2005), disclosinguse of ecdysteroid and ecdysteroid receptor in agriculture. The diuretichormone receptor (DHR) was identified in Price et al. (Insect Mol.Biol., 13:469-480, 2004) as a candidate target of insecticides.

Further examples include, without limitation, an insect-specificantibody or an immunotoxin derived therefrom and adevelopmental-arrestive protein. See Taylor et al. (Seventh InnSymposium on Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, Edinburgh, Scotland,Abstract W97, 1994), who described enzymatic inactivation in transgenictobacco via production of single-chain antibody fragments. Numerousother examples of insect resistance have been described. See, forexample, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,809,078; 6,713,063; 6,686,452; 6,657,046;6,645,497; 6,642,030; 6,639,054; 6,620,988; 6,593,293; 6,555,655;6,538,109; 6,537,756; 6,521,442; 6,501,009; 6,468,523; 6,326,351;6,313,378; 6,284,949; 6,281,016; 6,248,536; 6,242,241; 6,221,649;6,177,615; 6,156,573; 6,153,814; 6,110,464; 6,093,695; 6,063,756;6,063,597; 6,023,013; 5,959,091; 5,942,664; 5,942,658, 5,880,275;5,763,245 and 5,763,241.

Genes That Confer Resistance to a Herbicide:

Numerous herbicide resistance genes are known and may be employed withthe invention. An example is a gene conferring resistance to a herbicidethat inhibits the growing point or meristem, such as an imidazalinone ora sulfonylurea. Exemplary genes in this category code for mutant ALS andAHAS enzyme as described, for example, by Lee et al., EMBO J., 7:1241,1988; Gleen et al., Plant Molec. Biology, 18:1185-1187, 1992; and Mikiet al., Theor. Appl. Genet., 80:449, 1990.

Numerous herbicide resistance genes are known and may be employed withthe invention. An example is a gene conferring resistance to a herbicidethat inhibits the growing point or meristem, such as an imidazalinone ora sulfonylurea. Exemplary genes in this category code for mutant ALS andAHAS enzyme as described, for example, by Lee et al., EMBO J., 7:1241,1988; Gleen et al., Plant Molec. Biology, 18:1185-1187, 1992; and Mikiet al., Theor. Appl. Genet., 80:449, 1990.

A DNA molecule encoding a mutant aroA gene can be obtained under ATCCAccession Number 39256, and the nucleotide sequence of the mutant geneis disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,769,061 to Comai. A hygromycin Bphosphotransferase gene from E. coli which confers resistance toglyphosate in tobacco callus and plants is described in Penaloza-Vazquezet al., Plant Cell Reports, 14:482-487, 1995. European PatentApplication No. 0 333 033 to Kumada et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,975,374to Goodman et al., disclose nucleotide sequences of glutamine synthetasegenes which confer resistance to herbicides such as L-phosphinothricin.The nucleotide sequence of a phosphinothricin-acetyltransferase gene isprovided in European Patent Application No. 0 242 246 to Leemans et al.DeGreef et al. (Biotechnology, 7:61, 1989), describe the production oftransgenic plants that express chimeric bar genes coding forphosphinothricin acetyl transferase activity. Exemplary genes conferringresistance to phenoxy propionic acids and cyclohexanediones, such assethoxydim and haloxyfop are the Acct-S1, Acct-S2 and Acct-S3 genesdescribed by Marshall et al., (Theor. Appl. Genet., 83:4:35, 1992).

Genes are also known conferring resistance to a herbicide that inhibitsphotosynthesis, such as a triazine (psbA and gs+ genes) and abenzonitrile (nitrilase gene). Przibila et al. (Plant Cell, 3:169, 1991)describe the transformation of Chlamydomonas with plasmids encodingmutant psbA genes. Nucleotide sequences for nitrilase genes aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,648 to Stalker, and DNA moleculescontaining these genes are available under ATCC Accession Nos. 53435,67441, and 67442. Cloning and expression of DNA coding for a glutathioneS-transferase is described by Hayes et al. (Biochem. J., 285(Pt1):173-180, 1992). Protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) is the target of thePPO-inhibitor class of herbicides; a PPO-inhibitor resistant PPO genewas recently identified in Amaranthus tuberculatus (Patzoldt et al.,PNAS, 103(33):12329-2334, 2006). The herbicide methyl viologen inhibitsCO₂ assimilation. Foyer et al. (Plant Physiol., 109:1047-1057, 1995)describe a plant overexpressing glutathione reductase (GR) which isresistant to methyl viologen treatment.

Siminszky (Phytochemistry Reviews, 5:445-458, 2006) describes plantcytochrome P450-mediated detoxification of multiple, chemicallyunrelated classes of herbicides. Modified bacterial genes have beensuccessfully demonstrated to confer resistance to atrazine, a herbicidethat binds to the plastoquinone-binding membrane protein Q_(B) inphotosystem II to inhibit electron transport. See, for example, studiesby Cheung et al. (PNAS, 85(2):391-395, 1988), describing tobacco plantsexpressing the chloroplast psbA gene from an atrazine-resistant biotypeof Amaranthus hybridus fused to the regulatory sequences of a nucleargene, and Wang et al. (Plant Biotech. J., 3:475-486, 2005), describingtransgenic alfalfa, Arabidopsis, and tobacco plants expressing the atzAgene from Pseudomonas sp. that were able to detoxify atrazine.

Bayley et al. (Theor. Appl. Genet., 83:645-649, 1992) describe thecreation of 2,4-D-resistant transgenic tobacco and cotton plants usingthe 2,4-D monooxygenase gene tfdA from Alcaligenes eutrophus plasmidpJP5. U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 20030135879 describes the isolation of agene for dicamba monooxygenase (DMO) from Psuedomonas maltophilia thatis involved in the conversion of dicamba to a non-toxic3,6-dichlorosalicylic acid and thus may be used for producing plantstolerant to this herbicide.

Other examples of herbicide resistance, include without limitation thosedescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,803,501; 6,448,476; 6,248,876; 6,225,114;6,107,549; 5,866,775; 5,804,425; 5,633,435; 5,463,175.

Genes That Modify Fatty Acid, Phytate, and Carbohydrate Metabolism

Genes may be used conferring modified fatty acid metabolism. Forexample, stearyl-ACP desaturase genes may be used. See Knutzon et al.(Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 89:2624, 1992). Various fatty aciddesaturases have also been described. McDonough et al. describe aSaccharomyces cerevisiae OLE1 gene encoding Δ9-fatty acid desaturase, anenzyme which forms the monounsaturated palmitoleic (16:1) and oleic(18:1) fatty acids from palmitoyl (16:0) or stearoyl (18:0) CoA (J.Biol. Chem., 267(9):5931-5936, 1992). Fox et al. describe a geneencodinga stearoyl-acyl carrier protein delta-9 desaturase from castor (Proc.Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 90(6):2486-2490, 1993). Reddy et al. describe Δ6-and Δ12-desaturases from the cyanobacteria Synechocystis responsible forthe conversion of linoleic acid (18:2) to gamma-linolenic acid (18:3gamma) (Plant Mol. Biol., 22(2):293-300, 1993). A gene from Arabidopsisthaliana that encodes an omega-3 desaturase has been identified (Arondelet al. Science, 258(5086):1353-1355, 1992). Plant Δ9-desaturases (PCTApplication Publ. No. WO 91/13972) and soybean and BrassicaΔ15-desaturases (European Patent Application Publ. No. EP 0616644) havealso been described. U.S. Pat. No. 7,622,632 describes fungalΔ15-desaturases and their use in plants. EP Patent No. 1656449 describesΔ6-desaturases from Primula as well as soybean plants having anincreased stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4) content. U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2008-0260929 describes expression of transgenic desaturase enzymes incorn plants, and improved fatty acid profiles resulting therefrom.

Modified oil production is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,444,876; 6,426,447 and 6,380,462. High oil production is disclosed,for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,495,739; 5,608,149; 6,483,008 and6,476,295. Modified fatty acid content is disclosed, for example, inU.S. Pat. Nos. 6,828,475; 6,822,141; 6,770,465; 6,706,950; 6,660,849;6,596,538; 6,589,767; 6,537,750; 6,489,461 and 6,459,018.

Phytate metabolism may also be modified by introduction of aphytase-encoding gene to enhance breakdown of phytate, adding more freephosphate to the transformed plant. For example, see Van Hartingsveldtet al. (Gene, 127:87, 1993), for a disclosure of the nucleotide sequenceof an Aspergillus niger phytase gene. In soybean, this, for example,could be accomplished by cloning and then reintroducing DNA associatedwith the single allele which is responsible for soybean mutantscharacterized by low levels of phytic acid. See Raboy et al. (PlantPhysiol., 124(1):355-368, 2000).

A number of genes are known that may be used to alter carbohydratemetabolism. For example, plants may be transformed with a gene codingfor an enzyme that alters the branching pattern of starch. See Shirozaet al. (J. Bacteriol., 170:810, 1988) (nucleotide sequence ofStreptococcus mutans fructosyltransferase gene), Steinmetz et al. (Mol.Gen. Genet., 20:220, 1985) (nucleotide sequence of Bacillus subtilislevansucrase gene), Pen et al. (Biotechnology, 10:292, 1992) (productionof transgenic plants that express Bacillus licheniformis α-amylase),Elliot et al. (Plant Molec. Biol., 21:515, 1993) (nucleotide sequencesof tomato invertase genes), Sergaard et al. (J. Biol. Chem., 268:22480,1993) (site-directed mutagenesis of barley α-amylase gene), and Fisheret al. (Plant Physiol., 102:1045, 1993) (maize endosperm starchbranching enzyme II). The Z10 gene encoding a 10 kD zein storage proteinfrom maize may also be used to alter the quantities of 10 kD zein in thecells relative to other components (Kirihara et al., Gene,71(2):359-370, 1988.

Genes Encoding Additional Traits

Additional traits can be introduced into the soybean variety of thepresent invention. A non-limiting example of such a trait is a codingsequence which decreases RNA and/or protein levels. The decreased RNAand/or protein levels may be achieved through RNAi methods, such asthose described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,506,559 to Fire and Mellow.

Another trait that may find use with the soybean varieties of theinvention is a sequence which allows for site-specific recombination.Examples of such sequences include the FRT sequence, used with the FLPrecombinase (Zhu and Sadowski, J. Biol. Chem., 270:23044-23054, 1995);and the LOX sequence, used with CRE recombinase (Sauer, Mol. Cell.Biol., 7:2087-2096, 1987). The recombinase genes can be encoded at anylocation within the genome of the soybean plant, and are active in thehemizygous state.

It may also be desirable to make soybean plants more tolerant to or moreeasily transformed with Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Expression of p53 andiap, two baculovirus cell-death suppressor genes, inhibited tissuenecrosis and DNA cleavage. Additional targets can include plant-encodedproteins that interact with the Agrobacterium Vir genes; enzymesinvolved in plant cell wall formation; and histones, histoneacetyltransferases and histone deacetylases (reviewed in Gelvin,Microbiology & Mol. Biol. Reviews, 67:16-37, 2003).

In addition to the modification of oil, fatty acid or phytate contentdescribed above, it may additionally be beneficial to modify the amountsor levels of other compounds. For example, the amount or composition ofantioxidants can be altered. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,787,618;U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 20040034886 and International Patent App. Pub.No. WO 00/68393, which disclose the manipulation of antioxidant levels,and International Patent App. Pub. No. WO 03/082899, which discloses themanipulation of an antioxidant biosynthetic pathway.

Additionally, seed amino acid content may be manipulated. U.S. Pat. No.5,850,016 and International Patent App. Pub. No. WO 99/40209 disclosethe alteration of the amino acid compositions of seeds. U.S. Pat. Nos.6,080,913 and 6,127,600 disclose methods of increasing accumulation ofessential amino acids in seeds.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,559,223 describes synthetic storage proteins in whichthe levels of essential amino acids can be manipulated. InternationalPatent App. Pub. No. WO 99/29882 discloses methods for altering aminoacid content of proteins. International Patent App. Pub. No. WO 98/20133describes proteins with enhanced levels of essential amino acids.International Patent App. Pub. No. WO 98/56935 and U.S. Pat. Nos.6,346,403, 6,441,274 and 6,664,445 disclose plant amino acidbiosynthetic enzymes. International Patent App. Pub. No. WO 98/45458describes synthetic seed proteins having a higher percentage ofessential amino acids than wild-type.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,633,436 discloses plants including a higher content ofsulfur-containing amino acids; U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,801 discloses plantsincluding a high threonine content; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,885,802 and5,912,414 disclose plants including a high methionine content; U.S. Pat.No. 5,990,389 discloses plants including a high lysine content; U.S.Pat. No. 6,459,019 discloses plants including an increased lysine andthreonine content; International Patent App. Pub. No. WO 98/42831discloses plants including a high lysine content; International PatentApp. Pub. No. WO 96/01905 discloses plants including a high threoninecontent and International Patent App. Pub. No. WO 95/15392 disclosesplants including a high lysine content.

Genes That Control Male-Sterility

Genetic male sterility is available in soybeans and, although notrequired for crossing soybean plants, can increase the efficiency withwhich hybrids are made, in that it can eliminate the need to physicallyemasculate the soybean plant used as a female in a given cross. (Brimand Stuber, Crop Sci., 13:528-530, 1973). Herbicide-inducible malesterility systems have also been described. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,762,344).

Where one desires to employ male-sterility systems, it may be beneficialto also utilize one or more male-fertility restorer genes. For example,where cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is used, hybrid seed productionrequires three inbred lines: (1) a cytoplasmically male-sterile linehaving a CMS cytoplasm; (2) a fertile inbred with normal cytoplasm,which is isogenic with the CMS line for nuclear genes (“maintainerline”); and (3) a distinct, fertile inbred with normal cytoplasm,carrying a fertility restoring gene (“restorer” line). The CMS line ispropagated by pollination with the maintainer line, with all of theprogeny being male sterile, as the CMS cytoplasm is derived from thefemale parent. These male sterile plants can then be efficientlyemployed as the female parent in hybrid crosses with the restorer line,without the need for physical emasculation of the male reproductiveparts of the female parent.

The presence of a male-fertility restorer gene results in the productionof fully fertile F₁ hybrid progeny. If no restorer gene is present inthe male parent, male-sterile hybrids are obtained. Such hybrids areuseful where the vegetative tissue of the soybean plant is utilized, butin many cases the seeds will be deemed the most valuable portion of thecrop, so fertility of the hybrids in these crops must be restored.Therefore, one aspect of the present invention is directed to plants ofthe soybean variety ‘2984050’, ‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’, or‘2987331’ including a genetic locus capable of restoring male fertilityin an otherwise male-sterile plant. Examples of male-sterility genes andcorresponding restorers which could be employed with the plants of theinvention are well known to those of skill in the art of plant breeding(see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,530,191 and 5,684,242).

Methods for Soybean Transformation

Numerous methods for plant transformation have been developed, includingbiological and physical, plant transformation protocols. See, forexample, Miki, et al., “Procedures for Introducing Foreign DNA intoPlants” in Methods in Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Glickand Thompson Eds., CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, pp. 67-88 (1993). Inaddition, expression vectors and in vitro culture methods for plant cellor tissue transformation and regeneration of plants are available. See,for example, Gruber, et al., “Vectors for Plant Transformation” inMethods in Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Glick and ThompsonEds., CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, pp. 89-119 (1993).

A. Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation:

One method for introducing an expression vector into plants is based onthe natural transformation system of Agrobacterium. See, for example,Horsch, et al., Science, 227:1229 (1985); Curtis, et al., Journal ofExperimental Botany, 45:279, 1441-1449 (1994); Torres, et al., PlantCell Tissue and Organ Culture, 34:3, 279-285 (1993); and Dinant, et al.,Molecular Breeding, 3:1, 75-86 (1997). A. tumefaciens and A. rhizogenesare plant pathogenic soil bacteria which genetically transform plantcells. The Ti and Ri plasmids of A. tumefaciens and A. rhizogenes,respectively, carry genes responsible for genetic transformation of theplant. See, for example, Kado, C.I., Crit. Rev. Plant Sci., 10:1 (1991).Descriptions of Agrobacterium vector systems and methods forAgrobacterium-mediated gene transfer are provided by Gruber, et al.,supra, Miki, et al., supra, and Moloney, et al., Plant Cell Rep., 8:238(1989). See also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,616 issued Jan. 7, 1997.

B. Direct Gene Transfer:

Several methods of plant transformation collectively referred to asdirect gene transfer have been developed as an alternative toAgrobacterium-mediated transformation. A generally applicable method ofplant transformation is microprojectile-mediated transformation whereDNA is carried on the surface of microprojectiles measuring 1 µm to 4µm. The expression vector is introduced into plant tissues with abiolistic device that accelerates the microprojectiles to speeds of 300m/s to 600 m/s which is sufficient to penetrate plant cell walls andmembranes. Russell, D.R., et al., Plant Cell Rep., 12 (3, Jan.), 165-169(1993); Aragao, F.J.L., et al., Plant Mol. Biol., 20 (2, Oct.), 357-359(1992); Aragao, F.J.L., et al., Plant Cell Rep., 12 (9, July), 483-490(1993); Aragao, Theor. Appl. Genet., 93:142-150 (1996); Kim, J.,Minamikawa, T., Plant Sci., 117:131-138 (1996); Sanford, et al., Part.Sci. Technol., 5:27 (1987); Sanford, J.C., Trends Biotech., 6:299(1988); Klein, et al., Bio/technology, 6:559-563 (1988); Sanford, J.C.,Physiol. Plant, 7:206 (1990); Klein, et al., Bio/technology, 10:268(1992).

Another method for physical delivery of DNA to plants is sonication oftarget cells. Zhang, et al., Bio/technology, 9:996 (1991).Alternatively, liposome and spheroplast fusion have been used tointroduce expression vectors into plants. Deshayes, et al., EMBO J.,4:2731 (1985) and Christou, et al., PNAS, 84:3962 (1987). Direct uptakeof DNA into protoplasts using CaCl₂ precipitation, polyvinyl alcohol, orpoly-L-ornithine has also been reported. Hain, et al., Mol. Gen. Genet.,199:161 (1985) and Draper, et al., Plant Cell Physiol., 23:451 (1982).Electroporation of protoplasts and whole cells and tissues have alsobeen described. Saker, M., Kuhne, T., Biologia Plantarum, 40(4):507-514(1997/98); Donn, et al., In Abstracts of VIIth International Congress onPlant Cell and Tissue Culture IAPTC, A2-38, p. 53 (1990); D′Halluin, etal., Plant Cell, 4:1495-1505 (1992); and Spencer, et al., Plant Mol.Biol., 24:51-61 (1994). See also Chupean, et al., Bio/technology, 7:5,503-508 (1989).

Following transformation of soybean target tissues, expression of theabove-described selectable marker genes allows for preferentialselection of transformed cells, tissues and/or plants, usingregeneration and selection methods now well known in the art.

The foregoing methods for transformation would typically be used forproducing a transgenic line. The transgenic line could then be crossedwith another (non-transformed or transformed) line in order to produce anew transgenic soybean line. Alternatively, a genetic trait which hasbeen engineered into a particular soybean variety using the foregoingtransformation techniques could be introduced into another line usingtraditional backcrossing techniques that are well known in the plantbreeding arts. For example, a backcrossing approach could be used tomove an engineered trait from a public, non-elite inbred line into anelite inbred line, or from an inbred line containing a foreign gene inits genome into an inbred line or lines which do not contain that gene.As used herein, “crossing” can refer to a simple X by Y cross, or theprocess of backcrossing, depending on the context.

Gene Conversions

When the term “soybean plant” is used in the context of the presentinvention, this also includes any gene conversions of that variety. Theterm “gene converted plant” as used herein refers to those soybeanplants which are developed by backcrossing, genetic engineering, ormutation, where essentially all of the desired morphological andphysiological characteristics of a variety are recovered in addition tothe one or more genes transferred into the variety via the backcrossingtechnique, genetic engineering, or mutation. Backcrossing methods can beused with the present invention to improve or introduce a characteristicinto the variety. The term “backcrossing” as used herein refers to therepeated crossing of a hybrid progeny back to the recurrent parent,i.e., backcrossing 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or more times to therecurrent parent. The parental soybean plant which contributes the genefor the desired characteristic is termed the “nonrecurrent” or “donorparent.” This terminology refers to the fact that the nonrecurrentparent is used one time in the backcross protocol and therefore does notrecur. The parental soybean plant to which the gene or genes from thenonrecurrent parent are transferred is known as the recurrent parent asit is used for several rounds in the backcrossing protocol. Poehlman &Sleper (1994) and Fehr (1993). In a typical backcross protocol, theoriginal variety of interest (recurrent parent) is crossed to a secondvariety (nonrecurrent parent) that carries the gene of interest to betransferred. The resulting progeny from this cross are then crossedagain to the recurrent parent and the process is repeated until asoybean plant is obtained where essentially all of the desiredmorphological and physiological characteristics of the recurrent parentare recovered in the converted plant, in addition to the transferredgene from the nonrecurrent parent.

The selection of a suitable recurrent parent is an important step for asuccessful backcrossing procedure. The goal of a backcross protocol isto alter or substitute a trait or characteristic in the original line.To accomplish this, a gene of the recurrent variety is modified orsubstituted with the desired gene from the nonrecurrent parent, whileretaining essentially all of the rest of the desired genetic, andtherefore the desired physiological and morphological, constitution ofthe original line. The choice of the particular nonrecurrent parent willdepend on the purpose of the backcross. One of the major purposes is toadd some commercially desirable, agronomically important trait to theplant. The exact backcrossing protocol will depend on the characteristicor trait being altered to determine an appropriate testing protocol.Although backcrossing methods are simplified when the characteristicbeing transferred is a dominant allele, a recessive allele may also betransferred. In this instance it may be necessary to introduce a test ofthe progeny to determine if the desired characteristic has beensuccessfully transferred.

Many gene traits have been identified that are not regularly selected inthe development of a new line but that can be improved by backcrossingtechniques. Gene traits may or may not be transgenic. Examples of thesetraits include, but are not limited to, male sterility, modified fattyacid metabolism, modified carbohydrate metabolism, herbicide resistance,resistance for bacterial, fungal, or viral disease, insect resistance,enhanced nutritional quality, industrial usage, yield stability, andyield enhancement. These genes are generally inherited through thenucleus. Several of these gene traits are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,777,196, 5,948,957, and 5,969,212, the disclosures of which arespecifically hereby incorporated by reference.

Tissue Culture

Further reproduction of the variety can occur by tissue culture andregeneration. Tissue culture of various tissues of soybean andregeneration of plants therefrom is well known and widely published. Forexample, reference may be had to Teng, et al., HortScience, 27:9,1030-1032 (1992); Teng, et al., HortScience, 28:6, 669-1671 (1993);Zhang, et al., Journal of Genetics and Breeding, 46:3, 287-290 (1992);Webb, et al., Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture, 38:1, 77-79 (1994);Curtis, et al., Journal of ExperimentalBotany, 45:279, 1441-1449 (1994);Nagata, et al., Journal for the American Society for HorticulturalScience, 125:6, 669-672 (2000); and Ibrahim, et al., Plant Cell Tissueand Organ Culture, 28(2), 139-145 (1992). It is clear from theliterature that the state of the art is such that these methods ofobtaining plants are routinely used and have a very high rate ofsuccess. Thus, another aspect of this invention is to provide cellswhich upon growth and differentiation produce soybean plants having thephysiological and morphological characteristics of variety ‘2984050’,‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’, or ‘2987331’.

As used herein, the term “tissue culture” indicates a compositioncontaining isolated cells of the same or a different type or acollection of such cells organized into parts of a plant. Exemplarytypes of tissue cultures are protoplasts, calli, meristematic cells, andplant cells that can generate tissue culture that are intact in plantsor parts of plants, such as leaves, pollen, embryos, roots, root tips,anthers, pistils, flowers, seeds, petioles, and the like. Means forpreparing and maintaining plant tissue culture are well known in theart. By way of example, a tissue culture containing organs has been usedto produce regenerated plants. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,959,185, 5,973,234, and5,977,445 describe certain techniques, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference.

Additional Breeding Methods

The invention is also directed to methods for producing a soybean plantby crossing a first parent soybean plant with a second parent soybeanplant where the first or second parent soybean plant is a soybean plantof variety ‘2984050’, ‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’, or ‘2987331’.Further, both first and second parent soybean plants can come fromsoybean variety ‘2984050’, ‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’, or‘2987331’. Thus, any such methods using soybean variety ‘2984050’,‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’, or ‘2987331’ are part of the invention:selfing, backcrosses, hybrid production, crosses to populations, and thelike. All plants produced using soybean variety ‘2984050’, ‘2984004’,‘2987416’, ‘2987413’, or ‘2987331’ as at least one parent are within thescope of this invention, including those developed from varietiesderived from soybean variety ‘2984050’, ‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’,or ‘2987331’. Advantageously, this soybean variety could be used incrosses with other, different, soybean plants to produce the firstgeneration (F₁) soybean hybrid seeds and plants with superiorcharacteristics. The varieties of the invention can also be used fortransformation where exogenous genes are introduced and expressed by thevarieties of the invention. Genetic variants created either throughtraditional breeding methods using soybean variety ‘2984050’, ‘2984004’,‘2987416’, ‘2987413’, or ‘2987331’, or through transformation of variety‘2984050’, ‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’, or ‘2987331’ by any of anumber of protocols known to those of skill in the art are intended tobe within the scope of this invention.

The following describes breeding methods that may be used with soybeanvariety ‘2984050’, ‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’, or ‘2987331’ in thedevelopment of further soybean plants. One such embodiment is a methodfor developing variety ‘2984050’, ‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’, or‘2987331’ progeny soybean plants in a soybean plant breeding program,by: obtaining the soybean plant, or a part thereof, of variety‘2984050’, ‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’, or ‘2987331’, utilizing saidplant or plant part as a source of breeding material, and selecting asoybean variety ‘2984050’, ‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’, or ‘2987331’progeny plant with molecular markers in common with variety ‘2984050’,‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’, or ‘2987331’ and/or with morphologicaland/or physiological characteristics selected from the characteristicslisted in the section entitled “Objective description of the variety‘2984050’”, “Objective description of the variety ‘2984004’”, “Objectivedescription of the variety ‘2987416’”, “Objective description of thevariety ‘2987413’”, or “Objective description of the variety ‘2987331’”.Breeding steps that may be used in the soybean plant breeding programinclude pedigree breeding, backcrossing, mutation breeding, andrecurrent selection. In conjunction with these steps, techniques such asRFLP-enhanced selection, genetic marker enhanced selection (for example,SSR markers), and the making of double haploids may be utilized.

Another method involves producing a population of soybean variety‘2984050’, ‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’, or ‘2987331’ progeny soybeanplants, by crossing variety ‘2984050’, ‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’,or ‘2987331’ with another soybean plant, thereby producing a populationof soybean plants, which, on average, derive 50% of their alleles fromsoybean variety ‘2984050’, ‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’, or‘2987331’. A plant of this population may be selected and repeatedlyselfed or sibbed with a soybean variety resulting from these successivefilial generations. One embodiment of this invention is the soybeanvariety produced by this method and that has obtained at least 50% ofits alleles from soybean variety ‘2984050’, ‘2984004’, ‘2987416’,‘2987413’, or ‘2987331’. One of ordinary skill in the art of plantbreeding would know how to evaluate the traits of two plant varieties todetermine if there is no significant difference between the two traitsexpressed by those varieties. For example, see Fehr and Walt Principlesof Variety Development, pp. 261-286 (1987). Thus the invention includessoybean variety ‘2984050’, ‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’, or ‘2987331’progeny soybean plants containing a combination of at least two variety‘2984050’, ‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’, or ‘2987331’ traits selectedfrom those listed in the section entitled “Objective description of thevariety ‘2984050’”, “Objective description of the variety ‘2984004’”,“Objective description of the variety ‘2987416’”, “Objective descriptionof the variety ‘2987413’”, or “Objective description of the variety‘2987331’” so that said progeny soybean plant is not significantlydifferent for said traits than soybean variety ‘2984050’, ‘2984004’,‘2987416’, ‘2987413’, or ‘2987331’ as determined at the 5% significancelevel when grown in the same environmental conditions. Using techniquesdescribed herein, molecular markers may be used to identify said progenyplant as a soybean variety ‘2984050’, ‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’,or ‘2987331’ progeny plant. Mean trait values may be used to determinewhether trait differences are significant, and preferably the traits aremeasured on plants grown under the same environmental conditions. Oncesuch a variety is developed, its value is substantial since it isimportant to advance the germplasm base as a whole in order to maintainor improve traits such as yield, disease resistance, pest resistance,and plant performance in extreme environmental conditions.

Progeny of soybean variety ‘2984050’, ‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’,or ‘2987331’ may also be characterized through their filial relationshipwith soybean variety ‘2984050’, ‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’, or‘2987331’, as for example, being within a certain number of breedingcrosses of soybean variety ‘2984050’, ‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’,or ‘2987331’. A breeding cross is a cross made to introduce new geneticsinto the progeny, and is distinguished from a cross, such as a self or asib cross, made to select among existing genetic alleles. The lower thenumber of breeding crosses in the pedigree, the closer the relationshipbetween soybean variety ‘2984050’, ‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’, or‘2987331’ and its progeny. For example, progeny produced by the methodsdescribed herein may be within 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 breeding crosses ofsoybean variety ‘2984050’, ‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’, or‘2987331’.

As used herein, the term “plant” includes plant cells, plantprotoplasts, plant cell tissue cultures from which soybean plants can beregenerated, plant calli, plant clumps, and plant cells that are intactin plants or parts of plants, such as leaves, pollen, embryos,cotyledons, hypocotyl, roots, root tips, anthers, pistils, flowers,ovules, seeds, stems, and the like.

The use of the terms “a,” “an,” and “the,” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of valuesherein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referringindividually to each separate value falling within the range, unlessotherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated intothe specification as if it were individually recited herein. Forexample, if the range 10-15 is disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 arealso disclosed. All methods described herein can be performed in anysuitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplarylanguage (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to betterilluminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope ofthe invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specificationshould be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essentialto the practice of the invention.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussedabove, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications,permutations, additions, and sub-combinations thereof. It is thereforeintended that the following appended claims and claims hereafterintroduced are interpreted to include all such modifications,permutations, additions, and sub-combinations as are within their truespirit and scope.

DEPOSIT INFORMATION Soybean Variety ‘2984050’

A deposit of the soybean variety ‘2984050’ is maintained by AsociadosDon Mario S.A., having an address at Ruta Nacional 7 Km. 208, Chacabuco,B6740WAC, Argentina. Access to this deposit will be available during thependency of this application to persons determined by the Commissionerof Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application,all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety willbe irrevocably removed by affording access to a deposit of at least 625seeds of the same variety with the American Type Culture Collection,(ATCC), ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas,Virginia, 20110, USA.

At least 625 seeds of soybean variety ‘2984050’ were deposited on DATEaccording to the Budapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection(ATCC), ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas,Virginia, 20110, USA. The deposit has been assigned ATCC number X1.Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of thisapplication to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents andTrademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. §122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictionson the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocablyremoved.

The deposit will be maintained in the ATCC depository, which is a publicdepository, for a period of at least 30 years, or at least 5 years afterthe most recent request for a sample of the deposit, or for theeffective life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replacedif a deposit becomes nonviable during that period.

Soybean Variety ‘2984004’

A deposit of the soybean variety ‘2984004’ is maintained by AsociadosDon MarioS.A., having an address at Ruta Nacional 7 Km. 208, Chacabuco,B6740WAC, Argentina. Access to this deposit will be available during thependency of this application to persons determined by the Commissionerof Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application,all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety willbe irrevocably removed by affording access to a deposit of at least 625seeds of the same variety with the American Type Culture Collection,(ATCC), ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas,Virginia, 20110, USA.

At least 625 seeds of soybean variety ‘2984004’ were deposited on DATEaccording to the Budapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection(ATCC), ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas,Virginia, 20110, USA. The deposit has been assigned ATCC number X2.Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of thisapplication to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents andTrademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. §122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictionson the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocablyremoved.

The deposit will be maintained in the ATCC depository, which is a publicdepository, for a period of at least 30 years, or at least 5 years afterthe most recent request for a sample of the deposit, or for theeffective life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replacedif a deposit becomes nonviable during that period.

Soybean Variety ‘2987416’

A deposit of the soybean variety ‘2987416’ is maintained by AsociadosDon Mario S.A., having an address at Ruta Nacional 7 Km. 208, Chacabuco,B6740WAC, Argentina. Access to this deposit will be available during thependency of this application to persons determined by the Commissionerof Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application,all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety willbe irrevocably removed by affording access to a deposit of at least 625seeds of the same variety with the American Type Culture Collection,(ATCC), ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas,Virginia, 20110, USA.

At least 625 seeds of soybean variety ‘2987416’ were deposited on DATEaccording to the Budapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection(ATCC), ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas,Virginia, 20110, USA. The deposit has been assigned ATCC number X3.Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of thisapplication to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents andTrademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. §122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictionson the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocablyremoved.

The deposit will be maintained in the ATCC depository, which is a publicdepository, for a period of at least 30 years, or at least 5 years afterthe most recent request for a sample of the deposit, or for theeffective life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replacedif a deposit becomes nonviable during that period.

Soybean Variety ‘2987413’

A deposit of the soybean variety ‘2987413’ is maintained by AsociadosDon Mario S.A., having an address at Ruta Nacional 7 Km. 208, Chacabuco,B6740WAC, Argentina. Access to this deposit will be available during thependency of this application to persons determined by the Commissionerof Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application,all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety willbe irrevocably removed by affording access to a deposit of at least 625seeds of the same variety with the American Type Culture Collection,(ATCC), ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas,Virginia, 20110, USA.

At least 625 seeds of soybean variety ‘2987413’ were deposited on DATEaccording to the Budapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection(ATCC), ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas,Virginia, 20110, USA. The deposit has been assigned ATCC number X4.Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of thisapplication to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents andTrademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. §122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictionson the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocablyremoved.

The deposit will be maintained in the ATCC depository, which is a publicdepository, for a period of at least 30 years, or at least 5 years afterthe most recent request for a sample of the deposit, or for theeffective life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replacedif a deposit becomes nonviable during that period.

Soybean Variety ‘2987331’

A deposit of the soybean variety ‘2987331’ is maintained by AsociadosDon Mario S.A., having an address at Ruta Nacional 7 Km. 208, Chacabuco,B6740WAC, Argentina. Access to this deposit will be available during thependency of this application to persons determined by the Commissionerof Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application,all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety willbe irrevocably removed by affording access to a deposit of at least 625seeds of the same variety with the American Type Culture Collection,(ATCC), ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas,Virginia, 20110, USA.

At least 625 seeds of soybean variety ‘2987331’ were deposited on DATEaccording to the Budapest Treaty in the American Type Culture Collection(ATCC), ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas,Virginia, 20110, USA. The deposit has been assigned ATCC number X5.Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of thisapplication to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents andTrademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. §122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictionson the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocablyremoved.

The deposit will be maintained in the ATCC depository, which is a publicdepository, for a period of at least 30 years, or at least 5 years afterthe most recent request for a sample of the deposit, or for theeffective life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replacedif a deposit becomes nonviable during that period.

What is claimed is:
 1. A soybean seed selected from the group consistingof a soybean seed designated as ‘2984004’, representative sample of seedhaving been deposited under ATCC Accession Number X2; a soybean seeddesignated as ‘2987416’, representative sample of seed having beendeposited under ATCC Accession Number X3; a soybean seed designated as‘2987413’, representative sample of seed having been deposited underATCC Accession Number X4; and a soybean seed designated as ‘2987331’,representative sample of seed having been deposited under ATCC AccessionNumber X5.
 2. A soybean plant produced by growing the seed of claim 1.3. A plant part from the plant of claim
 2. 4. The plant part of claim 3,wherein said part is a pollen grain, ovule, protoplast, cell, embryo,cotyledon, hypocotyl, meristem, root, pistil, anther, flower, stem, pod,leaf, petiole, or a portion thereof.
 5. The plant part of claim 4,wherein said part is a pod.
 6. A soybean plant having all thephysiological and morphological characteristics of the soybean plant ofclaim
 2. 7. A plant part from the plant of claim
 6. 8. The plant part ofclaim 7, wherein said part is a pollen grain, ovule, protoplast, cell,embryo, cotyledon, hypocotyl, meristem, root, pistil, anther, flower,stem, pod, leaf, petiole, or a portion thereof.
 9. The plant part ofclaim 8, wherein said part is a pod.
 10. An F₁ hybrid soybean plantselected from the group consisting of: an F₁ hybrid soybean plant having‘2984004’ as a parent where ‘2984004’ is grown from the seed of claim 1;an F₁ hybrid soybean plant having ‘2987416’ as a parent where ‘2987416’is grown from the seed of claim 1; an F₁ hybrid soybean plant having‘2987413’ as a parent where ‘2987413’ is grown from the seed of claim 1;and an F₁ hybrid soybean plant having ‘2987331’ as a parent where‘2987331’ is grown from the seed of claim
 1. 11. A pollen grain or anovule of the plant of claim
 2. 12. A tissue culture of the plant ofclaim
 2. 13. A soybean plant regenerated from the tissue culture ofclaim 12, wherein: the plant has all of the morphological andphysiological characteristics of a soybean plant produced by growingseed designated as ‘2984004’ having ATCC Accession Number X2; the planthas all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of asoybean plant produced by growing seed designated as ‘2987416’ havingATCC Accession Number X3; the plant has all of the morphological andphysiological characteristics of a soybean plant produced by growingseed designated as ‘2987413’ having ATCC Accession Number X4; or theplant has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics ofa soybean plant produced by growing seed designated as ‘2987331’ havingATCC Accession Number X5.
 14. A method of making soybean seeds, saidmethod comprising crossing the plant of claim 2 with another soybeanplant and harvesting seed therefrom.
 15. A method of producing acommodity plant product, comprising obtaining the plant of claim 2 or apart thereof and producing said commodity plant product therefrom. 16.The method of claim 15, wherein the commodity plant product is proteinconcentrate, protein isolate, hulls, meal, flour, or oil.
 17. A methodof making a soybean variety selected from the group consisting of‘2984004’, ‘2987416’, ‘2987413’, and ‘2987331’, said method comprising:selecting seeds from the cross of one ‘2984004’ plant with another‘2984004’ plant, a sample of ‘2984004’ soybean seed having beendeposited under ATCC Accession Number X2; selecting seeds from the crossof one ‘2987416’ plant with another ‘2987416’ plant, a sample of‘2987416’ soybean seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession NumberX3; selecting seeds from the cross of one ‘2987413’ plant with another‘2987413’ plant, a sample of ‘2987413’ soybean seed having beendeposited under ATCC Accession Number X4; or selecting seeds from thecross of one ‘2987331’ plant with another ‘2987331’ plant, a sample of‘2987331’ soybean seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession NumberX5.